Meshing Surnames – A Modern Take on Name Blending in the UK

Name Change – What does Meshing Mean?

Meshing surnames means combining two surnames into one new shared or blended family name. Instead of choosing one partner’s surname or double-barrelling surnames, you create a brand-new name that represents both of you, as a couple. 

Meshed surnames are typically last names that are shortened, blended or merged. A letter or syllable can be dropped or added depending on what flows best. Some couples combine a recognisable syllable from each name while others might combine both full names into one seamless name. And for anyone feeling imaginative, you could create whole new name inspired by pieces of both names. 

The beauty of meshing is that there is no set way to do it and it all comes down to what feels right. And small adjustments can make a big impact on how natural and balanced the name sounds. 

We spoke with one couple, Rachel Reeves and Jeff Hartman, who chose to mesh their surnames so that both of their families would be represented in their new life together. Rachel loved her maiden name and they considered a double barrel however, it just didn’t feel right to them. They had met a couple who had a meshed last name and felt instantly inspired. They started playing around with different combinations like, Reeveman and Hartreeves, until they found the perfect name - Hartreeve. To them it felt like a “legitimate” surname that just flowed perfectly. By dropping the “S” from Reeves and the “man” from Hartman they created a new name honouring both of their histories while symbolising their new beginning as a family. 

Why More Couples are Opting to Blend their Surnames 

As with any change of name, the decision is personal and the “why” will differ from couple to couple. Similarly, when it comes to meshing surnames, there is no single reason why couples may decide to take this approach.

From our experience in helping couples through their name change journey, some of the of the most common reasons we have seen include:   

• Creating a shared family identity where one partner doesn’t have to give up their name
• Choosing equality, especially where naming traditions may not feel right
• Avoiding a super long surname or potentially awkward double-barrelled name
• Creating a new name with future children in mind
• Reflecting modern relationships where traditional naming customs may not apply
• Simply wanting a fresh start as a couple representing a new family and chapter in life

For many couples, meshing surnames to create an entirely new surname feels like a fresh yet practical and symbolic way to unite two people into a partnership.  

Is Meshing or Name Blending Legal in the UK? 

Absolutely! Combining surnames is perfectly legal in the UK and a deed poll will make it official. Both partners will need a UK deed poll to make it legal and this is where NameSwitch’s award-winning name change service can help! We offer the UK’s only deed poll and name change notification package allowing you to legally change your name (or mesh your surnames) without the cost of hiring a solicitor.  

For more information on how to change your name by deed poll, check out NameSwitch’s helpful guide.

How to Choose the Right Blended Name for You

Blending surnames or creating a new “team name” is a chance for you to get creative and choose a name that truly reflects you as a couple. There are no set rules to follow and the only “right” name for you is the one that feels most meaningful and comfortable to you both. 

Although it’s seen as a non-traditional option, a meshed surname, when blended thoughtfully, can sound timeless and elegant, and fit right in with more established names. At the same time, if you’re going for something more modern, a meshing names can give you the freedom to design a name that feels fresh and distinctive. 

Taking some time to explore your options and making the choice as a couple is important. Here are some of our top tips to help you chose a new blended name that you feel proud to use every day: 

• Take your time to talk through your name options as a couple: Share ideas and be honest with one another as this is a true collaboration.
• Say the name out loud: Try using it in everyday situations. Does it flow? Does feel natural to you? How are the phonetics? Does this name “feel” like you?  
• Take notice of spelling and pronunciation options: If there are multiple ways to spell or pronounce the name, consider which way feels most natural. 
• Will it work with your initials? Although this is a small detail, it’s something you will take notice to, so make sure it looks and feels right to you. 
• You can always try it out socially before making it official: This can be helpful in truly seeing it in action before making it official. 

Choosing a meshed surname is all about getting creative and finding something that fits your current life and the years to come. And when you’re ready to make it official, having a clear plan in place will make the name change process feel much more manageable. And of course, NameSwitch’s UK Deed Poll Service is here to help make the entire process super simple! 

Meshing Surnames FAQ’s

Is combining or meshing surnames after marriage legal in the UK?

Yes! There are a couple of ways you can combine two surnames together. You can double-barrel your names or you can create a brand-new name by blending two surnames into one. Both options are perfectly legal and are becoming more and more common as couples are re-thinking traditional name changes. 

Should you opt for a meshed surname, you will need a deed poll to serve as legal evidence of your name change. If you decide a double-barrel is right for you, a marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate will be your legal documentation. 

Do you need a deed poll for meshing surnames? 

If you and your partner decide to get creative and combine surnames to create a new name, you will need to use a deed poll to make it legal. NameSwitch offers the UK’s only deed poll and name change notification package so creating your new “team name” just became super simple! 

What is the difference between a double-barrelled surname and a meshed surname? 

A double-barrelled surname is combining two full surnames with or without a hyphen. For example, Smith-Johnson or Smith Johnson. A meshed surname is creating a brand-new name using elements of each surname, such as Johnsmith or Smithson. Both options are perfectly legal in the UK.

If you decide to mesh your names together to create an entirely new name, you will need to change your name via deed poll. If you are opting to double barrel surnames upon marriage, then your marriage certificate will suffice as legal evidence of your name change.