Have you ever been stumped on how to pluralize a surname? These rules apply on whether you are sending out an annual holiday card or when ordering a special gift for a wedding, anniversary or milestone event. Often, when ordering a custom or personalized gift, you’re presented with the option to include names or the family name written or engraved on the item. We want to make sure you have the correct info so that a lovely piece of art isn’t marred by a grammatical mistake.
First, We want to stop here quickly to let you know that we’ve been crafting personalized gifts since 2013. We want to make sure you have the best piece of art on display in your home. So don’t fret, if you order from us and provide the information incorrectly, either unbeknownst to you or because of that darn auto phone correct, we will make the change and let you know why.
A quick guide to pluralizing last names
How to pluralize surnames with accompanying examples
- Add an “s” at the end of the surname
The simplest way to pluralize a surname is to add an “s” to the end. This method works for most surnames, particularly those that end in consonants or “y”.
For example:
• The Wilkesons
• The Smiths
• The Murphys
- Add “es” to the end of the surname
If a surname ends in “s,” “x,” “z,” “ch,” or “sh,” you’ll need to add “es” to the end to pluralize it. This method may seem a little strange, but it’s the proper way to pluralize surnames that end in these particular letters. If you don’t like how it looks, you can always use method 3.
For example:
• The Foxes
• The Rodriguezes
• The Lopezes
• The Williamses
- Change to the plural form by adding the word “family”
Another way to pluralize a surname is to simply add the word “family” after the name.
This can be useful if you want to emphasize that you’re talking about the a couple plus their children, the whole family, or when you don’t want to use method 2 of adding “es” because of how it looks.
For example:
• The Taylor Family
• The Hernandez Family
• The Harris Family
• The Williams Family
- Use the possessive form of the surname ONLY when you are showing possession or ownership of an item or place.
For example:
• The Wilkeson’s house
• The Smiths’ car
• The Foxes’ Cabin <— note that you still pluralize the name with the appropriate rule above depending on the name.
Additional Sources of information:
https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/what-happens-to-names-when-we-make-them-plural-or-possessive
https://grammarist.com/style/last-names/
