Mexicans have two last names because they take the first surname of both parents. This convention is a combination of historical, cultural, and legal factors.
Historical Factors
The tradition of using two surnames (paternal and maternal) comes from Spain and took root in Mexico during colonial times, where the caste system sought to classify people according to their ethnic origin, and using both surnames helped to track lineage and social position.
Cultural Factors
Using both surnames reinforces family ties and acknowledges the importance of both lineages in the individual’s identity, reflecting the idea, promoted in recent decades, that both parents are equally important in the child’s life and contribute equally to their identity.
Legal Factors
Article 58 of the Federal Civil Code establishes that the birth certificate must contain “the proper names and surnames that correspond to the person.” Although it does not specify the order, the custom is to use the paternal surname first and the maternal surname second.
Benefits of Using Both Surnames
- Complete identification: Allows for more accurate identification of individuals, avoiding confusion in cases of common names.
- Recognition of both lineages: Reflects the individual’s full family heritage.
- Gender equality: Promotes the idea that both parents are equally important in the child’s life.
The Use of Both Surnames and Gender Equality
As already mentioned, the use of both surnames is recognized as a measure of gender equality, and in some states of Mexico, reforms have been approved that allow parents to choose the order of surnames on the birth certificate. This seeks to promote gender equality and give families more flexibility, given that it is common for the first surname to be inherited by future generations.
Why Mexican Women Don’t Take Their Husbands’ Last Names
Mexican women DO NOT take their husbands’ last names because they seek to maintain their own identity and recognize their lineage.
Mexican women value their individual identity and family lineage. Changing their surname upon marriage can be seen as a loss of that identity and a subordination to that of the husband. In addition, keeping their paternal and maternal surnames allows women to maintain a link with their family history and recognize the importance of both lineages in their lives.
Although not changing surnames happens because, in Mexico, changing surnames after marriage is not common, there are two other very common reasons why women do not change their surnames.
Gender Equality
Taking the husband’s surname can be seen as a patriarchal practice that reinforces the idea that the woman belongs to the man. Mexican women seek equality in marriage and reject traditions that perpetuate inequality. In addition, keeping their own surname symbolizes the autonomy and independence of women, both in the family and social spheres.
Mexican Laws
Unlike other countries, Mexican laws do not require women to change their surname upon marriage. The Federal Civil Code establishes that everyone has the right to their identity and their name. Changing surnames involves various legal procedures that can be complicated and costly. Many women prefer to avoid this bureaucracy.