Double-barreled surnames are names that consist of two family names joined by a hyphen. This practice often occurs when two families unite through marriage, allowing both surnames to be preserved. For example, if a person named Smith marries someone named Johnson, they might choose to use the surname Smith-Johnson. These surnames can also reflect cultural traditions, particularly in regions like Spain or Latin America, where it is common to combine the father's and mother's surnames. Double-barreled surnames can help maintain family heritage and identity, making them significant in many societies.