Should I take my husband's last name?

For some, taking their husband's last name simply serves to solidify the commitment. It's a gesture that leaves no room for doubt—changing their surname after marriage shows they're all in. For others, taking their husbands' surname is more about the status of the family unit—when there is a family unit to speak of.

Should I take my husband surname?

While the majority of women still choose to take their husband's name, it's merely done for reasons of tradition. And nowadays, many women choose not to take their husband's names at all. Surveys suggest that up to 20% of women choose to keep their maiden names when they get married.

Should I keep my last name after marriage?

Whether a woman keeps her name or uses her partner's after marriage is a matter of personal preference, and today there are no legal issues with doing either.

Should a man take his wife last name?

A man is legally entitled to take his wife's surname upon marriage. Although it is still not considered to be the traditional approach, the number of men adopting their wives' surnames is reported to be on the rise.

What percentage of wives take their husband's name?

In the US, most women adopt their husband's family name when they get married – around 70%, according to one of the largest data analyses in recent years. For British women, the figure is almost 90%, according to a 2016 survey, with around 85% of those aged between 18 and 30 saying they still follow the practice.

Steve Harvey - Should a wife take her husband's last name?

Why should a woman change her last name after marriage?

The tradition of women changing their last names to match their husbands' has its origins in the property transfer that took place upon marriage, Scheuble said. Essentially, women went from being part of their parents' family to becoming their husbands' property.

What is it called when a man takes a woman's last name?

When a person (traditionally the wife in many cultures) assumes the family name of their spouse, in some countries that name replaces the person's previous surname, which in the case of the wife is called the maiden name ("birth name" is also used as a gender-neutral or masculine substitute for maiden name), whereas a ...

Why would a man take a woman's last name?

Powell says that when a man decides to take a woman's last name, the most common reasons include the man not liking his own last name, not feeling attached to his family name or making a political statement.

Why would a man change his last name?

One of the reasons fueling and motivating men to take the last name of their spouses is to show them how supportive they are and their commitment to the relationship. This is happening mostly when the wife is the main provider in the family or when the wife seems to have a more dominant position in the family.

How often does a man take his wife's last name?

In some states, married women could not legally vote under their maiden name until the mid-1970s. The opposite—a man taking his wife's name—remains incredibly rare: In a recent study of 877 heterosexual married men, less than 3 percent took their wife's name when they got married.

What do you call a married woman who keeps her maiden name?

If you're keeping your maiden name, you have options: You can go by "Ms." or use "Mrs." as in "Mr. Wong and Mrs. Woodbury." You can also go by "Ms." if you'd prefer your title not to be associated with your marital status.

Can I still use my maiden name after marriage?

According to prevailing jurisprudence, “a married woman has the option, but not a duty, to use the surname of the husband.” Therefore, upon marriage, married women have the option to continuously use her maiden name or: Her maiden first name and surname and add her husband's surname; or.

What are the pros and cons of changing your name?

Is it wrong to keep your last name?

It allows for personal autonomy

You're still the same person! A name is an incredibly personal part of your identity, and it's okay if you don't think you want to change it. You don't even necessarily have to agree that it's a sexist practice; it's enough if you just want to stay yourself and still be in love.

How do you keep both last names after marriage?

What are the consequences of changing your name?

You probably expect to need to update your Social Security information and your credit cards, but there are plenty of other people who need to know about your new name as well. "A name change can have an impact on your taxes. All the names on your tax return must match Social Security Administration records.

In what states can a man take his wife's last name?

California is one of 44 states with unequal name change laws for people getting married. Right now, only six states -- Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Massachusetts, New York and North Dakota -- explicitly allow a man to change his name through marriage with the same ease as a woman can.

Is it possible to take your wife's last name?

Changing Your Name Regardless

Even though it may be more expensive, anyone can choose to take his or her wife's last name by petitioning for a legal name change. Each state and local court may have a different form for the petition, and yes, there will be filing fees.

Is it OK to keep your maiden name?

Even if you do change your name personally, you can always keep your maiden name professionally.

Is there a time limit to change your name after marriage?

How long do you have to change your name after getting married? There's no exact time limit for changing your name after getting married. People change their names whenever they are ready to. However, some workplaces request to be informed within 60 days or so after the change of name.

Are you still a Mrs If you don't change your name?

If you're using Mrs., technically you're not even Mrs. YourFirst HisLast. If you're into etiquette, when you marry someone and take his name, your title becomes Mrs. His First HisLast or just Mrs.

What are the benefits of taking your husband's last name?

For some, taking their husband's last name simply serves to solidify the commitment. It's a gesture that leaves no room for doubt—changing their surname after marriage shows they're all in. For others, taking their husbands' surname is more about the status of the family unit—when there is a family unit to speak of.

What are the disadvantages of having two last names?

What are the benefits of changing your last name?

Legally changing your name does offer quite a few potential benefits. First of all, it can give you a fresh start. Whether you want to put a difficult past behind you, escape the attentions of a stalker or start fresh during a new phase in your life, a legal name change can be very empowering.

Can I use my passport with my maiden name?

Can you use a passport with your maiden name? Yes, you can keep using your passport with the previous name on it. Although there is no obligation, the officials recommend updating the travel document, so it reflects your current name.