What is a Monogram?
A monogram is a stylistic device composed of letters and small ornaments, typically in a compact shape such as a small square or rectangle, although other shapes are not unknown. Many people are familiar with the concept of monograms since fine linen services offer monogrammed sheets, towels, and other household goods. Monograms have also been used historically to sign documents and works of art, and they are sometimes used as ciphers to symbolize various people or concepts. For example, many works of religious art include monograms which reference various people and events. The concept of a monogram is very ancient. Originally, a monogram was a one letter code, and eventually monograms of multiple letters became common; two to three letter monograms as symbols for people’s names are probably the most common type. In order to be considered a monogram, a collection of letters must be clearly interwoven: the initials T.E.K. are not a monogram, for example, but a stylistic device which in
A traditional monogram is an artistic design comprised of three letters. However, some monogram designs can also have one letter or two letters and feature a decorative border. Generally, when designing a monogram, the correct order for the letters is the first name initial, last name initial, and middle name initial —with the last name initial in a slightly larger size in the middle of the monogram. If all of the letters in a monogram design are the same size, however, they should be placed in the same order you would use to sign your name. When creating a monogram for a married couple, the most common construction is the woman’s first name initial, the couple’s married last name, and the initial of the husband’s first name—with the initial of the couple’s married last name in a slightly larger size in the middle of the monogram.
