More - Monogram Etiquette | Customizable Gifts (2024)

FAQs

What is the etiquette for monogramming? ›

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.

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.

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.

Monograms are a perfect way to add a touch of personalization to your decor—they're often used in decor on throw pillows, blankets, yard decorations, and more—and they seem more popular now than ever.

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.

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.

A two letter monogram in traditional format will place both letters side by side the same size, and like the cypher can be used to either combine a first and last name or to combine two last names. A single initial can represent either the first or last name.

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

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.

Today, one-, two-, and three-letter monograms are all equally common but the most conventional monogram arrangement consists of three letters: a larger central letter, flanked by two smaller letters, one on each side.

Can you use a monogram as a signature? ›

Monograms have been used as signatures by artists and craft workers on paintings, sculptures and pieces of furniture, especially when guilds enforced measures against unauthorized participation in the trade. A famous example of a monogram serving as an artist's signature is the "AD" used by Albrecht Dürer.

For a more modern take, try the three letter monogram, which is simply your initials in order from first to last name, or (first) (middle) (last), all in the same size font. Or, make things short and sweet by using only two initials of your choosing—they don't even have to be your first and last name.

Just like with men and women, monograms for children follow the same order of first, last and middle initial, with the last name initial being larger than the other two. However, just as with adults, if the font size of the initials are to be the same, then the order is as such: first, middle and last.

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.

If you are following the traditional initial order, the last name initial will be the largest and in the center, with the first and middle name on the left and right. If you keep both your maiden name and your last name, then your middle name can be substituted with your maiden name in the initials.

The reason why the last name traditionally goes in the middle is because the last name is most important and should stand out! Example: Mary Rachel American, whose monogram would look like: Married Ladies: First Name, LAST NAME, Maiden name (or middle name if you prefer).

Single men and single women use the first initial of their first, middle and last name, in that order. Shown below on a Personalized Convertible Garment Bag. Example: Gina Hermione Smith or Greg Henry Smith.