Order of Initials in a Monogram

What order do initials go in a monogram?

As commercial embroider and monogrammer, we have heard this question a lot! The order of letters for a monogram can depend on many things. Over the years a monogramming etiquette has been developed to help with the format and order of the initials. This has, unfortunately, caused some confusion in understanding the order of initials and what initial goes in the middle of a monogram.

Our guide is designed to quickly explain how monograms are placed in the correct order. We hope it will provide you with a quick reference point and answer your questions, but you are always welcome to reach out to us.

When giving personalized items as a gift, there are a few things you may want to consider.

Order of Consideration

First: What is their actual given name? This may seem easy initially, but many people use nicknames or accepted abbreviations such as Bob instead of Robert or Will instead of William.

Second: Women, once married, could choose their maiden name for professional reasons and their married names in a more relaxed setting or as a casual use item.

Third: Some women may also choose to use their middle name instead of their maiden name after marriage. If you are unsure, ask a friend or family member for guidance. We have also had luck checking social media for those elusive initials.

Personalized Gifts for Children

 You would be wise to be aware of where and how a gift will be used, whether in the home or in public. Adding too much information, such as a first name to an item that could be used in the absence of an adult, is something you may want to consider.

 An example of this is adding a first name to a lunch box or backpack. In this situation, the use of initials is a great alternative. Another consideration is the age and sex of the child along with the occasion. An example could be a baptism, where a more elaborate font is used, instead of a birthday, where a more festive font would normally be chosen.

Generally, the order of initials is the same as for single adults; however, as a boy ages, the order traditionally changes. An example of this would be, Jack Howard Stone. As a child, this would normally be JSH; however, as he ages, this changes to JHS. We suggest to our customers that a change in order occurs once the child becomes a teenager. There are people tho that prefer JHS in the order they are, First, Middle, Last and all the same size as shown here:

 Monogram Order for a Single Man

 The monogram for a single man is very simple with a few minor changes based on preference or font chosen. The first is just as the name is written out. Jack Grayson Hill JGH. An alternative is moving the sir name to the middle and making it larger JHG. One other accepted alternative is simply using the last name initial. H

Monogram Order for Single Woman

 The traditional order of initials for a woman, is the LAST NAME in the middle and larger. Julia Devon Roberts JDR would be JRD with the R being larger. Another common alternative is simply using the last name initial. In this case R.

Order of Initials for a Married Couple

 The traditional order of initials once a couple is married is the groom’s first initial, then the surname of the couple, and the bride’s first initial. Example: Julia Devon Hills & William Grayson Hills would be. WHJ with the Last name initial larger and in the middle.

In recent years, there has been a shift from the traditional to one with the women’s initial being first. This is an option depending on the individual and can be seen as a more informal or casual method over the traditional order Julia Devon Hills & Jack Grayson Hills would look like.

 Order of Initials for a Married Woman

Once a woman is married, there are a few options depending on whether she uses her maiden or middle name. Following tradition, many women choose to replace their middle name with that of their maiden name once they have married. Julia Devon Roberts & Jack Grayson Hills would look like this.

Woman Keeps Middle Name Initial

Some women keep their middle name instead of their maiden name. One reason could be their middle name was also their mothers or grandmother, or it represents a special person in their life. This is an example using the wife’s middle name Julia Devon Roberts & Jack Grayson Hills.

Order of Initials for a Married Same Sex Couple

The etiquette normally followed here is a combination of either a couples first or last names. George Redmond & Frank Castle or Lilly Fredrick & June Deavers

There is also another common option to combine both first and last names into a four letter monogram. George Redmond & Frank Castle or Lilly Fredrick & June Deavers

Monogramming an item is a personal choice. Our guide is meant for those who are looking for the generally accepted etiquette when monogramming a gift. If you are ordering for yourself, the order of initials or names used is a personal choice. There really is no right way or wrong way to monogram an item for yourself, with so many options and fonts available have some fun after all it’s just for you

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