How to Pluralize a Last Name—Even Ones Ending in 'S'

Should you sign the holiday card "Love, the Claus's"? Or is it Clauses? Or Claus'? Deciphering the correct plural form of a last name—even your own—can feel like a grammar pop quiz. And don't even get started on possessive forms; they add another layer of complexity.

But fear not. Perfecting the art of pluralizing last names is a skill that lasts a lifetime. And the good news is, once it clicks, it'll stick with you. Follow these simple rules to sign your cards correctly, as outlined by a grammar expert.

How to Pluralize Last Names

Step 1: Write Out the Entire Name

A last name is always written out in its entirety. Think of it this way: It's their name, so you can't exactly change it, right? Always write someone's last name out in full, whether Williams or Garcia.

Step 2: Add an S at the End

In this step, simply tack something onto the end of a fully written out last name. In most cases, you only have to add an S to the end of their entire last name—even if the last letter is y.

You rarely need an apostrophe when signing or addressing cards. (Apostrophes imply possession, which isn't what you're trying to do. You're simply naming them in the plural.)

Exceptions

There are a few exceptions, which is where things can get confusing.

• If the name ends in s, z, ch, or sh, you must add es. That means the Davis family becomes the Davises, the French family becomes the Frenches, the Hernandez family becomes the Hernandezes, and the Glaves family becomes the Glaveses.
• If the name ends in x, add es—unless the x is silent. In that case, add an s. So the Felix family becomes the Felixes, and the Bordeaux family becomes the Bordeauxs.

How to Make a Pluralized Last Name Possessive

Whether you want to mention the Smith family's housewarming party in your next thank you note or send an email about the Davis family's dog, we've got you covered.

Step 1: Follow the Steps Above

As you did earlier, pluralize the last name using the examples we outlined.

Step 2: Add an Apostrophe

Take the pluralized form of the name and add an apostrophe to the end.