Monogram Etiquette 101
Monogramming is more than just initials—it's an art form with its own set of traditions. Understanding monogramming etiquette ensures that your personalized items carry the elegance and meaning they deserve.
On this page, we'll guide you through the do’s and don’ts of monogramming, from the proper order of initials to selecting the perfect style for different items. Whether it’s for a gift or your own keepsake, we’ll help you get it just right.
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Individual
Style One: Larger Middle Letter
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 Jane Elizabeth Smith, her monogram would read JSE.--
Style Two: Block Monogram
This style of monogram traditionally reads First Name Initial, Middle Name Initial, Last Name Initial with all the letters being the same size in line with one another. For example, if you had the name Jane Elizabeth Smith, her monogram would read JES. -
His and Hers
Style One: Ladies First
The wife’s first name initial, the couple’s married last name initial in the center and largest letter followed by the husband’s first name initial. For example, Jane and John Smith would be JSJ.--
Style Two: Mr. & Mrs.
If you’re all for tradition, then you could have your monogram appear in the order husband’s first name initial with the last name initial larger in the middle and the wife’s first name initial last. The theory here and that a man’s first name and last name should not be separated. -
Single Letter
Style One: First Name Initial
Some trinkets are great with just a single first initial. With this, you can add a little flare to the design by adding dots or flourishes on either side of the letter or a frame around the letter. First name of Jane would appear as a single “J.”--
Style Two: Last Name Initial
The single last name letter is great for barware, towels and stationary. This would appear as a single “S” for a couple with the last name Smith.
Frequently asked questions
How would you create a couple’s monogram if the wife is keeping her maiden name?
Easy-peasy! Her maiden name would take place of the middle name initial. For example, Jane Elizabeth Anderson now becomes Jane Anderson Smith or JSA if she were to choose to keep her maiden name.
How do you list monogram initials for someone with two middle names? Or a hyphenated last name? Or no middle name? What about the Von, O and Mc prefixes?
Two Middle Names:
Block style is your best bet here as many fonts are predesigned for three letter monograms. Sometimes a font typically used for a three-letter monogram can allow for stacking of the two middle initials that appear on the right side of the monogram. Because they are stacked, they will be smaller than the left initial or first name. You can also choose to drop one of the middle names for monogramming leaving you with three initials for the traditional three letter monogram.
Hyphenated Last Name:
Use a four-letter monogram where the two last names would be the larger letters with smaller first name initials on either side. Sometimes the four-letter monogram style can be a little overwhelming for a small item. Not sure how to monogram – ask the couple how they would prefer it to appear. They might decide to opt for the two-letter monogram for both last names.
No Middle Name:
No middle name, no worries! Use your two initials or opt for your first or last name only!
The Von, O’ and Mc:
Seems complicated with having a prefix or article with the last name, but it’s quite simple – use the first letter of the last name!
Is there anywhere that a single letter monogram would be appropriate rather than a three-letter monogram, and vice versa?
It’s all up to the couple/individual or gift giver! Oftentimes, we see single letter initials used on items that will be used for decoration or most commonly, linens. Typically, a single letter monogram and most commonly the first letter of the couple’s last name is used on items such as napkins, towels and barware. For an individual, the first letter of the first name or last name is also appropriate.