Double-barreled names are surnames that consist of two parts, typically joined by a hyphen. This naming convention often occurs when two families combine their names, such as through marriage or partnership. For example, a person named Jane Smith who marries someone named John Doe might choose to be known as Jane Smith-Doe. These names can also reflect cultural traditions, where both family names are preserved to honor heritage. In some cases, individuals may choose to use only one part of the double-barreled name in everyday life, while still retaining the full name for formal purposes.