Monogram Etiquette (2024)

FAQs

Monogram Etiquette? ›

Traditionally, a monogram reads First Name Initial, Last Name Initial, Middle Name or Maiden Name Initial. With the Last Name Initial being the larger Middle Initial. For example, if you had the name Kelsie Elizabeth Vogds, her monogram would read KVE.

Traditional Monogram

For an individual, the order of initials is the first name, last name, and middle name. The last name initial (center) is larger than those on either side.

A traditional 3 letter monogram is the person's first name initial on the left, the last name initial in the middle & larger, and the middle name initial on the right. If the monogram is for a married woman, it has been traditional to substitute her maiden name initial for her middle name initial on the right.

A: Ladies first! The woman's name/initial always comes first on a monogram because the man's first name/initial should never be separated from his last name/initial. Q: When can we start using our married monogram?

Traditional monogramming uses the person's first, middle, and last initial with classic methods like deboss, emboss, embroidery, or engraving. The standard three-letter monogram order places a larger last name initial in the center, with the first and middle initials in the same but smaller font, one on either side.

The most popular of monogram designs is a three letter format where the surname appears center and larger. Traditional etiquette is to use the lady of the house's initials in the following order: First, Last, Maiden. However, modern tastes have evolved to replace the maiden initial with the husband's first initial.

Monograms are a classic motif that have never really gone out of style, but like anything else, their popularity wanes and waxes. Right now, they're having a strong resurgence—along with many other trends, including grandmillennial style—that reference time-honored looks.

Children's monograms follow same etiquette as adults. Although, it is more traditional for young boys to have the surname as the middle initial until they reach the teen years, where then they would take on the more masculine monogram style of first, middle, last in a straight monogram.

For a married couple, the bride's first initial comes first on the left, the surname of the couple in the center, and the groom's first initial on the right, in that order. This joint monogram is used mainly on items that the couple will use together, such as sheets in their bedroom and towels in their bathroom.

Why does the last name go in the middle of a monogram? ›

The reason why the last name traditionally goes in the middle is because the last name is most important and should stand out!

Monograms are often made by combining the initials of an individual or a company, used as recognizable symbols or logos. A series of uncombined initials is properly referred to as a cypher (e.g. a royal cypher) and is not a monogram.

First, middle, last; with all initials being the same size is the most traditional style. But a stacked monogram is another nice option, where the first initial is stacked on the middle initial and the last initial is large to the right.

For a married couple, the bride's first initial comes first on the left, the surname of the couple in the center, and the groom's first initial on the right, in that order. This joint monogram is used mainly on items that the couple will use together, such as sheets in their bedroom and towels in their bathroom.

Put together your monogram using the first initial of both of your last names, without any ampersand, plus sign, or unifying design element. For example, John Doe and Jane Smith would become SD, with the wife's initial traditionally taking first place in the order.

One of the most common ways to monogram a name with four letters is to have all four letters in a row in order "First," "Middle," "Middle," "Last," or, for example, "MSXW." For this type of monogram, sometimes called a "block" monogram, all the letters are the same size and are usually in an unembellished font.