discuss Why does a child need a father's name/surname?

[Dr. A]

I often think about this. It is a norm that a child will have the father's name/surname for all legal purposes but for those children who have no known fathers, can they take up their mother's name/surname? How are they registered everywhere for legal entries? Can anyone pls share what the legal system says?

 

[Yama]

but for those children who have no known fathers, can they take up their mother's name/surname?

It depends on your country's law. In our country, people can take their mother's name legally, if they want to, irrespective of whether their father is known or unknown.

 

[junnurain]

It bears his introduction of his family. which is why I believe it's important for a child. However, in today's world, things are changing. In this competitive era, a child should grow based on their own potential—not be recognized by their surname, but by their own achievements.

 

[Kross]

In my country, it does not matter which surname you took. You just need to have a surname of any parent to have an identity and trace back history. There are some mother's surname that are very strong and you stand to benefit more socially from that surname. I personally would thrash my father's surname for that mother's surname.

 

[King Belieal]

According to my culture, a child needs a father's surname to have a share in the family inheritance from the father's lineage. Any child that doesn't have the family surname won't be considered to be given a share of the father's family estate.

 

[lens]

In my country and in my culture, it is compulsory for a child to take the father's surname and that has been the laws of the land from onset. Though I have seen people make choices for their surnames but it is not common here in my home country .

 

[riponbabu]

A child's surname often carries cultural, legal, and familial significance. Traditionally, many societies follow a paternal naming system, where children inherit their father's surname to establish lineage and identity. Some believe it strengthens the bond between father and child and reflects family heritage.
However, naming conventions are evolving, with many families choosing maternal surnames or even combining both parents' names to reflect equality.

 

[Maina]

A child having a father’s name or surname often comes from cultural, legal, and social traditions. It helps establish identity, family lineage, and inheritance rights. It also provides a sense of belonging and connection within the family and society. However, naming conventions vary widely across cultures and families, and some choose different approaches based on personal or social reasons.

 

[Apsara]

A child may need a father's name or surname for legal, cultural, or societal reasons. It can establish paternity, support identity, inheritance rights, and access to benefits. If there was matriarchy I think a child would take mothers name.

 

[Shortie]

Depending on your country and the law in your country, it may be a legal requirement for the child to take the fathers surname.

In the UK, this is something that is chosen by the parents of the child as to which surname they are giving. I was not very clever when I allowed my now ex to have all of our kids take his surname as since leaving that relationship due to it being mentally abusive, they now all have his surname and with them not having my surname, it can make certain things difficult such as applying for bank account for them, even travelling when it comes to names on passports.