Man or woman first? The name on your doorbell

More than just a name: The subtle message of your doorbell

It's a seemingly banal question when designing a shared doorbell or sign: Which name comes first? Male or female? What at first glance appears to be a mere formality, upon closer inspection, reveals a surprisingly rich history, social traditions, and a change deeply rooted in our culture.

At Jeske Design we have been designing individual doorbell signs for years and doorplates that combine personality and style. We repeatedly encounter this subtle yet subtle nuance. Join us on a journey through time and cultures to decipher the hidden message behind the sequence on your doorbell plate.

The German Tradition: A Look into the Past

For a long time, there was a clear, unwritten rule in Germany: the man's name came first. This practice was closely linked to the patriarchal structure of society, in which the man was considered the head of the family and the main breadwinner.

• The "master of the house": Historically, the man was the owner of the house or main tenant, and his position was symbolized by the former position on the doorbell plate.

• The family name: Often, only the husband's family name was used, even if the wife lived in the household. This reflected the social norms of the time, in which a woman's identity was often defined by that of a man.

• Symbol of order: The order was an outward sign of the internal order and hierarchy of a family as it had grown over centuries.

This order was firmly established well into the late 20th century. It was simply "customary" and rarely questioned. A change would have seemed unconventional or even disrespectful to the social norm to many.

And today? The year 2025 and the change

The 21st century, and especially the year 2025, is characterized by progressive social change that doesn't even stop at the doorbell . The traditional male-female order is increasingly crumbling, giving way to a much more flexible and individualized arrangement.

• Equality: The increasing equality of men and women in all areas of life—professional, private, and legal—is also reflected in the order of names. There is no longer a social imperative to put men first.

• Individual preference: Today, couples often decide based purely on personal preferences. Who has the longer name? Who sounds better? Or simply who was asked first!

• Alphabetical order: An increasingly popular and neutral solution is to sort first names alphabetically. This eliminates any hierarchy and creates a modern and uncomplicated look.

• First first name, then last name: Often, the woman's first name is mentioned first, followed by the woman's last name, and then the man's first name, followed by the man's last name. Example: "Lisa Müller / Max Schmidt" or "Lisa & Max Schmidt."

• Full name of the couple: There is also a tendency to use the full name of the couple, even if they do not have the same last name.

• Creative solutions: Some couples choose completely different approaches, for example using only the shared surname (if applicable) or the family name, such as "Family Mustermann."

Today, there's no "wrong" order. It's a conscious decision that reflects the dynamics and values ​​of each couple. The doorbell sign becomes an expression of the personal relationship.

A look beyond the borders: What is it like in Europe?

The tradition of the order of names on doorbells varies within Europe and also reflects cultural and social developments.

• Great Britain: Similar to Germany, for a long time the man was named first (Mr. & Mrs. Smith). Today, however, there is considerable flexibility here as well. Often, the alphabetical order is chosen, or the name that sounds better.

• France: Traditionally, only the family name or "Monsieur et Madame Dupont" was used. When two names were used, the man was usually mentioned first. Here, too, we are seeing a change, but the formal form of address still holds greater significance than in Germany.

• Scandinavia: In countries like Sweden and Denmark, which are often considered pioneers in terms of equality, the order has always been less rigid. Alphabetical ordering or free choice have long been common practice here and are not perceived as a break with tradition.

• Southern Europe (e.g., Italy, Spain): Patriarchal structures dominated here, too, and the man's name often came first. However, a loosening of the pattern can now be observed here as well, although traditional patterns may still be more prevalent than in Northern or Central Europe.

It is clear that the trend towards individualisation and the dissolution of rigid hierarchies is a pan-European one, albeit with different speeds and characteristics.

Your doorbell: A mirror of your story

A doorbell sign isn't just a guide for the postman. It's the first thing visitors see, a welcome greeting, and a small but powerful expression of your identity. At Jeske Design, we believe it should tell your story—in your own personal way. Whether you choose the traditional option, choose alphabetical order, or express your own creativity: the important thing is that it feels right for you.

We offer a variety of high-quality materials such as slate and natural stone to design your individual door sign or bell plate so that it fits perfectly with you and your home - timeless, stylish and with a very personal touch.

What order do you choose for your home? Share your thoughts with us!