What's In A Name? AKA How To Make A Name Plural
You’re pumped to send holiday cards. You absolutely love the joy, warmth, and act of spreading cheer. This holiday tradition is a favorite among clients and graphic designers alike because it embodies both art and sentiment. And while the magic of holiday cards serve as little messengers of joy during these otherwise cold (our least favorite) winter months, all that love and care can be lost in an instant if you spell a family’s name wrong.
Not really if they are true friends of course. But never fear! Courtney Winet Design is here! with your guide to pluralizing names on holiday cards…
No Apostrophes. Ever.
Apostrophes are used to show singular possession of something. You do not own another family. Or their name. And they do not own you. Apostrophes also mark the omission of one or more letters. We are adding letters. Therefore no apostrophes are needed. Like ever.
Try Adding Just “-s”
If you are sending a card from just you, please skip this section. If you are sending a card from you and anyone else (spouse, kid, dog, cat, whatever) , or if you decide to address the envelope to another family of multiples, you may address your card with the last name as plural. Usually you’re good to just add an “-s” at the end.
Winet ➡️ The Winets
Dinneny ➡️ The Dinnenys
Potthoff ➡️ The Potthoffs
The Exceptions: S, CH, SH, X & Z get “-es”
Still keep those apostrophes out of here! And if the name ends in any of the aforementioned, then add “-es” instead of just '“-s”
Eilers ➡️ The Eilerses
Schwartz ➡️ The Schwartzes
Busch ➡️ The Busches
When in doubt, take the easy way out
We don’t mean for that to be advice in every life situation, but it is totally okay for holiday card addressing. If you’re unsure or just don’t like how a name looks as plural, you can always use safe choice of writing it out as “The _____ Family”
Amid the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, there's something truly magical about the simple act of sending and receiving holiday cards. These little envelopes of affection carry messages of love, goodwill, and warm wishes, making them more than just pieces of paper. They're reminders of the connections we hold dear and a source of comfort and joy. Just don’t ruin it by spelling a name wrong, okay?
Cheers!