Spanish Surnames:
* Double-Barrelled: The most common structure is a double-barrelled surname, with the father's last name followed by the mother's last name. This is called "apellido compuesto" in Spanish.
* First Surname: In most cases, only the father's surname is passed down, although both names are legally recognized. This is called "apellido paterno".
* Second Surname: The mother's surname, "apellido materno", is often used as a middle name or not used at all.
Other Hispanic Surnames:
* Different Structures: The structure of last names can vary in other Hispanic cultures (e.g., Portuguese, Mexican, etc.). Some may follow different traditions or have single-surname structures.
Important Considerations:
* Regional Differences: Specific rules and customs surrounding last names can vary even within different regions of Spain and Latin America.
* Modern Trends: In recent years, there has been a growing trend of using both parents' surnames in Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in Mexico and Argentina.
To summarize:
* While Hispanic last names often include both paternal and maternal names, it's not a simple case of "paternal followed by maternal."
* There are different structures and customs, and the use of both surnames can be influenced by region, personal preference, and even legal regulations.