Why do women change their last name when they get married?

1. 85

   Robie Benveposted 12 years ago

   Why do women change their last name when they get married?
   
   Some people give me a hard time because I kept my maiden name. I can't really think of more than one good reason to change my name, to show "family belonging". Other than that... do you know of any other good reasons?

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2. 78

   Express10posted 12 years ago

   You've asked a very good question. I would imagine it to be a symbolic start to a new life, a show of dedication, or a way for the man's wealth to be transferred to the woman and their children where wills and other documents are absent.

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3. 77

   cloverleaffarmposted 12 years ago

   Tradition. Honestly, that is the only thing I can think of. It's been the tradition for so long, women just do it. Well, obviously not all women...you didn't, and neither did I. As a matter of fact, he thought of changing his last name to mine.
   Mostly a traditionalist at heart, there are some traditions worth bucking. My kids survived...even though the mail box looked like a lawyers office sign with the three last names. It was a tad confusing for some, but not for those who really mattered.
   (Ps. It was a second marriage for me, so my kids had a different last name too)

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4. 78

   AnnaCiaposted 12 years ago

   I know that in the United States as in some other countries that is done as a choice.  I am from Puerto Rico and although somebody might do it, it is not a tradition. 
   
   Some reasons might be:
   to make your life easier when going on trips or dealing with institutions, etc.  It lets everybody know that you are part of that fan.
   If you just like the feeling of carrying a new last name.
   
   I know that I will always stay with my last name.

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5. 81

   Marcy Goodfleischposted 12 years ago

   The best I can remember is the sense of belonging it apparently implied. I long ago stopped using anything but my maiden name, though. I prefer to have my own identity, not one attached to another person. Even if I'm married to them. I don't mind being known as their spouse or the occasional times someone uses the name of the spouse, but for me, my maiden name seems right.

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6. 93

   Faceless39posted 12 years ago

   Simply put:  tradition.  Or also if they like the new name better!

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7. 75

   Levertis Steeleposted 12 years ago

   Some women change their last names because it is a tradition. Using the husband's last name causes some women to feel closer and connected to husband and marriage. I want everyone in my house to feel that we are a family and belong together. The last name of the husband puts a band around the family and house. "Hus-band" means "house band." The origin is Old English, I believe.

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8. 0

   Old Empresarioposted 12 years ago

   Only the Anglo-Saxon-based cultures expect the women to adopt the man's surname. I have a son and two daughters and I would be very happy if they all kept their surname after getting married.

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9. 38

   alisha4uposted 12 years ago

   Well, It's a tradition that we have been following for long... People tend to have accepted it by now..

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10. 79

    funsoaregbesolaposted 12 years ago

    I believe they change their names and take their husband's name in order to identify with the new family unit they have formed

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11. 80

    chspublishposted 12 years ago

    Once upon a time it was a tradition, I understand. At least where I come from, that was the case. Then when women became to be more part of society and accepted - by voting and equal pay and equal working rights - double barrelled names began to appear.
    I tried the double surnames on being married but the names were so awkward together that I reverted to the traditional approach for the sake of convenience. Filling out forms and various other forms of officialdom became a nightmare with the two names appearing together. I kept a 'memento' of my surname, however, by adopting the first letter of my surname before my husband's surname when signing documents, hotel registers etc. That was a good compromise. What's in a name, after all?

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12. 77

    Beata Stasakposted 12 years ago

    It is more custom than anything else, in my country you also add 'ova' to your surname that means belonging...when a daughter is born she acquires father's name with 'ova' at the end, which means 'belonging to father'. When a daughter is married, father is the one taking her hand and giving her to her future husband literally usually in a church and she acquires new surname of her husband with 'ova' belonging to her husband at the end.
    My daughter hates it and has decided to change her surname and I congratulate her on her decision.
    
    For me it is just a custom and I have done it, back home, to respect my culture and my family. But today, for my daughter and her children, in a different modern western country we live now, they shouldn't obliged to follow old customs which have no relevance for today's world:)

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13. 68

    xethonxqposted 12 years ago

    Because our society is patriarchal and most people is our society accept that. I don't agree...but I'm also not going to marry a male...lol.

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14. 58

    inmyfeelingsposted 12 years ago

    Thats a  great question! I dont know, I did and now Im in the divorce process and all my earthly posessions are in my maried name and I prefer to just move on with my life. In the same token, it can be a good thing. It shows respect  for your husband, and it represents your willingness to become "family" with your spouse. It shows unity, and if you have children it shows tradition in your family sharing the same name. ...idk , just my thoughts, thanks for posting the question.

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15. 50

    ladybabaposted 12 years ago

    first it was tradition. then i think for the children, you know to have one name.
    now  think if you are truly committed, why not take the name?
    it does not change a secure persons idenity.
    it also reinforces the beleif that you will be a family that acts as one.
    to show the greatest rescept to your husband.

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16. 68

    Mary Stuartposted 12 years ago

    I did change my name when I got married but I changed it back to my own name long before the divorce was final. I could not get my name back soon enough! That said, I am unlikely to ever change my name again.
    I think some women change their name without giving it a second thought. it is, after all, tradition. Other women change their name because they anticipate making a family and want everyone (mother, father, and children) to have the same last name. It is traditional and convenient. At this point in my life I see no reason to change my name should I marry again. Maybe... if I want to.... but I see no reason to go by another person's name.
    I think the choice is yours. To change your name or not to change it. Do whatever you and your husband want.

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17. 70

    onegoodwomanposted 11 years ago

    It is a patriachial society..............to carry on the name of the father is the goal..........in most society's, women, adhere to the pressure or the assumed.
    
    As a young girl..........far away from 'marital relations', my Grandmother, once stated to me..........
    
    " a woman does not change her name...........she simply adds to it "
    
    My Grandma, was not being political, modern, resistant.............she had no statement to make...................except this one.
    
    Born as a Smith..........marry a Brown..........change your change............and STILL you are a Smith, with all the protection and rights of both the Smiths and the Browns..

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18. 50

    emma matthewsposted 11 years ago

    I didn't change my last name.  When you are as old as I am why not keep things  the  way they are name and all.

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