double name

[/ˈdʌbəl neɪm/]
nounpl: double names
nome composto
1. A personal name consisting of two parts, typically a first name and a middle name used together as a single identifier
Maria José is a double name common in Portuguese-speaking countries.
Maria José é um nome composto comum nos países de língua portuguesa.
2. A surname formed by combining two family names, often hyphenated
Her double name Smith-Johnson reflects her parents' family heritage.
Seu nome composto Silva-Santos reflete a herança familiar de seus pais.
3. In some contexts, a nickname or stage name that uses two names
The artist performs under the double name 'David Michael'.
O artista se apresenta sob o nome composto 'João Paulo'.
In Brazil and Portugal, double names (nomes compostos) are extremely common and culturally significant. Many Brazilians use both a first name and middle name as a complete identifier in social contexts. Double surnames, often hyphenated, are also prevalent in both countries and reflect family heritage. In the USA, double names are less common in formal identification but hyphenated surnames became more popular after the feminist movement of the 1970s-80s, with women choosing to combine their maiden and married names.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
compound namehyphenated namedouble-barreled nametwo-part name
Antonyms / Antônimos
single namemononymsimple name

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
nome composto
Most common term for a name with two parts, especially first and middle names
Rio de Janeiro
nome duplo
Alternative colloquial usage, particularly for hyphenated surnames
São Paulo
nome composto
Standard term used in official documentation and formal contexts
Portugal
nome composto
Standard European Portuguese term, common in legal and administrative use

Related Words

first namemiddle namesurnamefamily namemaiden namegiven name

Related Idioms & Phrases

to go by a double name
officially registered double name
hyphenated double name
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