Married Name Combiner

A married name combiner — sometimes called a married name generator or surname combiner — is a free tool that takes two surnames and instantly shows every way to combine them when you get married or enter a civil partnership: double-barrelled (with or without a hyphen), blended or "meshed" into a brand-new surname, or simply taking one partner's name. It also flags which options need an adult deed poll — and if you're changing a child's surname too, our child deed poll service covers that.

When you marry in the UK, you and your partner have complete freedom over what to do with your surnames. There's no legal requirement to change anything at all — but if you want a shared name, there are four main routes: one partner takes the other's surname, you double-barrel both names, you blend (mesh) them into a brand-new surname, or you each keep your own. They don't all work the same way legally, which is what the questions below explain. For the full process, see how it works or our complete guide to legally changing your name in the UK.

No — there's no legal requirement to change your name when you marry or form a civil partnership in the UK. Keeping your own surname is completely valid. If you do want a shared name, you can take your spouse's surname or double-barrel the two using your marriage certificate, or create a blended or brand-new surname with a deed poll. Use the combiner above to explore your options before you decide.

Yes — this is the traditional option, where one spouse adopts the other's surname. It's the simplest route because your marriage certificate is all the proof you need: your bank, the Passport Office and the DVLA will update your name on the strength of it, with no deed poll required.

Double-barrelling joins both names with a hyphen — for example Smith-Jones — keeping both family names. Most UK organisations accept a double-barrelled name after marriage using your marriage certificate, so you usually won't need a deed poll. A few may ask for one, so having an unenrolled deed poll removes any doubt and makes updating records smoother. Learn more about the pros, cons and legality of double-barrelled surnames.

Blending — sometimes called meshing — merges parts of both surnames into a brand-new one, like Smones from Smith and Jones. It's a lovely, modern way to create a shared identity that belongs to both of you. Because it's a completely new surname, it isn't covered by your marriage certificate: to use a blended surname legally — on your passport, driving licence, bank accounts and everywhere else — you must change your name by deed poll.

Absolutely. Plenty of couples simply keep their existing surnames — there's nothing to do and no cost, and your names stay exactly as they are. If you change your mind later, you can always change your name by deed poll — see how it works.

• Taking your spouse's surname — no deed poll needed (use your marriage certificate).
• Double-barrelling — usually no deed poll needed, but one makes things smoother.
• Blended / meshed surnames — deed poll required (it's a new name).
• Any other new surname — deed poll required.

A UK deed poll is quick, affordable and accepted by every UK organisation. With UK Name Change it's just £14.49, professionally printed and posted free — see exactly how it works. Changing a child's surname after remarriage? Use our child deed poll service instead.

You have huge freedom. You can take one name, double-barrel, blend the two, or invent something new. The only limits are the usual UK naming rules — nothing offensive, no numbers or symbols, and not a name intended to deceive. Once you've picked a new surname, you can apply for your deed poll online in a few minutes.

No. Everything runs privately in your browser — we don't store or send the surnames you enter. When you've decided, you can get your deed poll from £14.49.