Correctly pluralizing a last name is something particularly relevant at this time of the year, with holiday cards and other correspondence, but, we must admit, something we think about often throughout the year pertaining to weddings.
A common mistake seen often on personalized napkins, koozies, neon signs (and many other wedding-related items) is an apostrophe accompanying a couple’s new joint last name. While we admit not everyone may be as invested (or frankly irked) by this omission, we would be remiss not to give back this holiday season and gather some key reminders when putting you and your betrothed’s last name on anything.
The first thing to remember is that the pluralization of a last name is the same as pluralizing most nouns. They are typically made plural by adding a s. When you add ’s you are making the couple’s last name possessive, insinuating they show ownership over something when you are simply trying to highlight the duo.
Insight directly from Merriam-Webster: “Names are proper nouns, which become plurals the same way that other nouns do: add the letter -s for most names (“the Johnsons,” “the Websters”) or add -es if the name ends in s or z (“the Joneses,” “the Martinezes”).”
Kelly here: I’ve had multiple conversations about this topic and how it can make a couple’s name look “funny” by adding -s or -es, so I can understand not wanting to put The Joneses in a neon sign above your photo booth. To this, I would counter that in the end it’s better to be correct than aesthetically pleasing and if aesthetically pleasing is what you’re going for, take out “the.”
Taking this even further and bringing in the aforementioned possession, if you’re looking to announce an event or activity as being “owned” by The Smiths (for example), then you would add an apostrophe to the end of the name – The Smiths’ Reception. For those with names ending in a s or z sound, you have the choice of adding just the apostrophe or ’s.
And finally, to our Louisiana friends with names ending in x – we’re looking at you, Boudreaux – you simply add -es.
So, whether you’re making that neon photo booth sign or adding the ending to your holiday cards, remember to leave out the apostrophe!
