A hyphenated last name is when you and your spouse combine both of your last names with a hyphen. ... In many states, when you fill out your application for your marriage license, you'll be writing your intended married name on that application. It becomes a legal document after the marriage when the officiant files it.

What does a hyphen mean in a first name?

Hyphenated given names are becoming more popular in England. The use of the hyphen clarifies that the two names are to be considered as a whole—both names are necessary—which raises interesting questions about names and identity.

How do you hyphenate married name?

Most of the time, though, the most popular compromise is to hyphenate your last name and the last name of your Groom. For example, if your Groom's name is John Smith and your name is Kate Jones, you would name yourself Kate Jones-Smith or Kate Smith-Jones.