Why Mexican Americans Were Meant to Carry Two Last Names Mexican American history, last names, surnames, identity, family lineage, maternal ancestry, Hispanic surnames, Mexican culture, name erasure, Mexican American Roots Mexican American families traditionally carry two last names to preserve both maternal and paternal lineage. This story explains why that practice mattered, how it was erased in the United States, and what was lost when one surname disappeared. #mexicanamerican #latinotiktok #