How do Spanish last names change from generation to generation?

Question:

How do Spanish last names change from generation to generation?

ok so i have to do a project for spanish, i am supposed to change my family trees last names to follow "spanish last name " guidlines, my teacher gave a vague example, but i cant really figure it out, I know as a Female, you are born as one name, and you get married and keep the 1st last name of your father and adopt the second last name of your husband. but i do not know for example, when you are born, is your last name the same as your fathers, or a combination of your fathers and mothers? Im just getting more and more confused, so I'd appreciate it if someone could clarify this a little bit. Also A little simpler question, to me what relation is My sisters husband to me, in spanish? Thanks!

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Hey. This is particularly difficult to understand for almost anyone who is not Hispanic. 1. This is what happens: In all Spanish-speaking countries (to say: Spain, Mexico, Equatorial Guinea and many more) we bear two family names and NOT one like in many other counties (ex.: the US).

Let's pretend your name is Mar㭡. Your father's last name is P㩲ez and your mother's is L㳰ez. Your complete name will appear as Mar㭡 P㩲ez L㳰ez and YOU ALWAYS USE THIS NAME LIKE THAT. In the case of marriages, you preserve your maiden name; however, there is a detail: Let's say your name is Mar㭡 P㩲ez L㳰ez and you marry some Jos㩠Gonz㡬ez S㡮chez. Your name will continue to be Mar㭡 P㩲ez L㳰ez, but you will also be referred to as Mar㭡 P㩲ez "de" Gonz㡬ez (the husband's name, actually stating that you're his wife... and that you sort of "belong" to him. I personally don't agree with this designation). This latter reference is not of official use and your name stays the same in all of your papers.

In the U.S. al Hispanics that arrived have to keep only one last name (in this case, their father's). Once again, if you're Mar㭡 P㩲ez L㳰ez, there you will only be Mar㭡 P㩲ez. Centuries ago, many immigration officials messed up by making those two names one, and make you Mar㭡 "P㩲ez-Lopez". It is complicated, indeed!!! But you may read the first paragraphs again, ommitting this one and you will get a broader idea.

2. If youⴲe talking about the translation for "brother-in-law", that would be a "cu㱡do" in Spanish. Hope this helps!