German parliament approves surname reform, enabling double-barreled surnames for couples and children from May 2025.

The German parliament approved plans to relax strict family name restrictions, allowing couples to take double-barreled surnames and pass them on to their children. The reform, expected to take effect in May 2025, will also enable parents to give their children double-barreled surnames. This change will benefit groups like the Sorbs, an indigenous Slavic minority, and the Frisian minority, who use traditional patronymic and matronymic names.