One can add the name and hope the status "sticks" to the partner / spouse. The best way to benefit from this was the option called "Mutual Fund" Account, and it was done in in effective April 1, 2004. Those enrolled prior to that date were allowed to be "grandfathered", a nice thing: both parties share the same status (both get HHonors cards that show the same status and HH number), and the spend / stays / days from both is used in earning status.

I'll credit FT with making me aware of this bonus, so I and Lady JDiver have an active Mutual Fund account. Sadly, it has been nearly a decade since signups were accepted - unless someone negotiates it with an HGVC buy, where one can still wangle a Mutual Fund account.