Royal baby names: surnames


However, Prince George's surname, Cambridge, was easier to predict, as it follows royal naming convention. Baby George's father, the Duke of Cambridge, is known as William Wales, a reflection of Prince Charles' title, the Prince of Wales.

But in fact, members of the royal family can be known both by the name of the royal house, and by a surname. These are not always the same, and royals don't have to use any surname at all!

What's the history of royal surnames?

Before 1917, members of the British royal family didn't have a surname, just the name of the house or dynasty to which they belonged. Throughout history, British royals have been singled out by their first name only. This is a tradition that has continued to the present day.

Where did the surname Windsor come from?

In 1917, George V made a radical change, by adopting Windsor not only as the name of the royal family's house, but also as his family's surname. The name Windsor comes from the English castle, one of the Queen's official residences. All descendants of George V can use the surname Windsor.

Why do some royals have a double-barrelled surname?

In 1960, the Queen and Prince Phillip decided they would like to distinguish their own direct descendants from the rest of the royal family. The Queen and Prince Phillip combined their last names to create the surname Mountbatten-Windsor. All their direct descendants can use this surname.

Kate and William's son therefore has the right to use the surname Mountbatten-Windsor. However, the Queen's decision to combine her and Phillip's surnames isn't binding on the Queen's successors. Prince Charles and Prince William don't usually use the surname Mountbatten-Windsor.

What about royal titles?

Another option for royal couples is to give their baby their area title, or royal house, as a surname. In their military lives, William and Harry use the surname Wales, taken from their father's title, Prince of Wales. William also enrolled at St Andrews University under the name William Wales.

Many royals use their parents' area titles in everyday life. Princesses' Beatrice and Eugenie used the surname York while at school, taken from their father Andrew's title, Duke of York.

Last reviewed: July 2013

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