Traditional Luxembourg names kids after fathers
Around two thirds of children in Luxembourg carry their father's surname, with less than 10 percent named after their mothers.
(CS) Around two thirds of children in Luxembourg carry their father's surname, with less than 10 percent named after their mothers.
Only since a law that came into force in January 2006 are children not automatically registered under the father's surname. This was the case unless the father's identity was unknown.
However, since 2006, parents can choose whether they want their children to carry the father's or the mother's surname, or a combination of both.
The “traditional” principle of passing on the father's surname has since then remained most popular, applying to just under 62 percent of children born in the last eight years.
For 31 percent of children, parents opted for a double surname. Just over 6 percent of children received only their mother's surname.
These statistics were provided by Justice Minister Félix Braz in answer to a parliamentary question by LSAP MP Alex Bodry.
Children's surnames can be something of a headache for Luxembourg parents, especially since women keep their maiden name on official documents, such as passports, even when married.
For parents travelling alone with children who have a different surname than that of their children in their passport, authorities recommend carrying a certificate proving parentage.
