Cultural Considerations / Names

Understanding how Spanish surnames work will increase your comfort level with speaking to new clients.

Many Hispanics have two surnames. The first is the father’s surname, and the second is the mother’s surname. A married woman may have a third surname, that of her husband, preceded by de or y. In some cases, you may address someone using only his or her first name and father’s surname.

However, asking your client how he or she prefers to be addressed is the best approach.

Because many Hispanics prefer a more-formal communication style, you may also want to call them “Mr.” or “Mrs.,” or Señor or Señora. If you speak Spanish, you may also want to use the formal Usted when saying “you.” However, some clients may feel comfortable with the familiar tu if they have developed a close relationship with you.