Monogram Etiquette

Monograms are personal, timeless, and a little bit “rulesy.” Here’s a simple guide to help you choose the correct order and style—plus real examples you can copy.

Quick Rules (The Easy Cheatsheet)

  • Traditional order is based on the item. Some items follow “first-last-middle,” others follow “first-middle-last.”
  • When in doubt: keep it simple. A 2-letter monogram (first + last) is always safe.
  • Married? Your preference wins. Traditional formats exist, but modern monograms are often personalized to the couple.
  • Single initial styles are always correct. One letter (usually last name) looks classic on towels, bags, and napkins.
  • Proofs help! Always double-check spelling and order before stitching.

1) Individual Monograms (3 Letters)

For many classic 3-letter monograms, the last initial is in the center and is often slightly larger. The order is typically: First – Last – Middle.

Traditional (Center = Last Name)

Name: Olivia Marie Carter

Monogram: O C M (First – Last – Middle)

Another Example

Name: James Robert Williams

Monogram: J W R

Tip: Some “block” or modern 3-letter styles use First – Middle – Last in a straight line. If you’re unsure, choose a 2-letter monogram or ask for a proof.

2) Two-Letter Monograms (Always Safe)

Two-letter monograms are clean and modern, and they avoid any confusion about center letters. Most commonly: First – Last.

Name: Emma Johnson

Monogram: EJ

Name: Noah Davis

Monogram: ND

3) Married Couple Monograms

There are a few correct ways to monogram for couples. Here are the most common:

Traditional Couple (Shared Last Name)

Names: Ava & Ethan Smith

Monogram: A S E (Wife’s First – Last – Husband’s First)

Modern Couple (First + Shared Last)

Names: Ava & Ethan Smith

Monogram: AS or ES (great for gifts that are “his” or “hers”)

Couples with Different Last Names

Names: Ava Garcia & Ethan Smith

Options: AG + ES (separate items), or a shared mark like “A&E” or a custom crest-style design

4) Children & Babies

For children, monograms are usually based on the child’s name (not the parents’). A popular choice is First – Last – Middle for traditional styles, or a simple First name.

Name: Liam Andrew Baker

Monogram: L B A (traditional center = last)

Name: Harper Rose King

Monogram: H K R

Baby gift favorite: First name only (e.g., “Harper”) or one initial (e.g., “K”) on quilts, blankets, and bibs.

5) Monogram Placement (What Looks Right)

Cocktail Napkins

  • Classic: lower right corner
  • Formal: centered
  • Tip: keep it small and crisp

Hand Towels

  • Centered near the bottom hem
  • Or lower corner for a modern look

Totes & Bags

  • Upper center looks premium
  • Side panel is subtle and chic

Shirts & Sweatshirts

  • Left chest for classic personalization
  • Sleeve for a modern statement

Still Not Sure? We’ll Help.

If you tell us the full name, whether it’s for an individual or couple, and the item (napkin, towel, tote, sweatshirt, etc.), we can recommend the best format.

Pro tip: If you’re gifting and don’t know middle names, choose two letters or a single initial—it will always look intentional.