Changing your last name? Why/why not?

Also to add, I don’t want to hyphenate or create a brand new one. I’d either go all in or not at all!

I'm changing my name. My maiden name is going to become my new middle name, taking FH's last name. I decided to go this route because it's important for FH and I to share a family name once we have kids

I'm changing my last name. We decided on this because its important that we have a family name for our children. I do have an attachment to my maiden name, but I also don't want to lose my current middle name since that is always in the family. My family is completely encouraging of changing my last name.

View Quoted Comment

I’ve heard of this too, but I like my middle name lol. I know people do this for kids to share the name, which makes sense, but since that’s not in our plan, it seems like what’s the point, you know? I am bummed that my son and I don’t share a last name, so that is a great reason! Wishing I could go back in time and change that birth certificate lmao 😆

View Quoted Comment

That’s great they are so encouraging! My sister seems to want me to keep it so we share, but FH and his mom are encouraging me not to lol. I’m sure my mom would be fine either way, and my sister will support whatever I choose.

I’m having the same issue as well. I’m the one with the long and difficult name, but I’ve been spelling it out for people for over 30 years so I have a slight attachment to it. Haha good luck deciding!

View Quoted Comment

Haha, girl I am feeling the pain! I am getting used to spelling it at this point, I have to now with all this wedding planning, so it’s becoming almost second nature to me. Maybe that’s a sign to go for it!

I don't have a great relationship with my dad either, so I say good riddance and good bye! But my last name is Newhouse and has never failed to spark a reaction and jokes. I look forward to being a Long!

I am in the process of changing it. It's a pain in the butt, but I wanted to share a last name with my husband and our future children.

I’m Still debating. I’ve always wanted to change my last name since childhood because I never had a relationship with my father. However, I have made my name mean something for me in the working world and in academia. I am pursuing my PhD. I’ve placed so much work under my maiden name that it’s hard to let go all though I’ve wanted to my whole life. I also don’t want to hyphenate. So, I struggle daily. I think you should list the pros and cons of name changing and to really decide what both names mean to you (if it means anything at all). For me, it is a high honor to share my fiancé’s last name. It is the final act of symbolism that we have joined as one (until children of course). So, that’s really a motivator for me. Think it though. Reflect hard. You can change your name on fb and still not legally change it. There’s so many ways to own your married name and still carry your maiden name. It’s great that you have your FHs support with whatever decision you’ll make.

View Quoted Comment I have been told I have a cool name, I even got a “wow, you have a name for the stage!” once lol. Both of those names sound great, so I think you’ll be great either way!

I'm definitely changing mine, mainly because i'm divorced and it's my ex husband's last name.

View Quoted Comment This is a great idea, thank you! I’ll have to think it out and create a list. Hopefully that will provide some insight. I can understand not wanting to loose your name from your hard work (and big props to you for pursuing your PhD!). I thought of keeping my name at work if I change it, so I can still be me professionally, but share his name. I am pretty excited about joining his family, especially with his Dad being so incredible. That is def on the pro list! Thanks for your advice!

View Quoted Comment I don’t blame you! That is a great reason on its own!

View Quoted Comment *lose, ugh, grammar!! 😂

View Quoted Comment I looked back at my comment and notice mistakes too lol. I wish you the best and thanks for the props! 🥰

I kept mine because it's simple and also my husband's name sounded funny with my first name Husband grumbles now and then but he's a good sport about it.

I'm definitely changing my last name. I love my family but I always believed that when a woman gets married she changes her last name. I have a brother to carry on the family name. I love my last name and I'll always be a Gavlick but I'm looking forward to becoming one with my future husband

I'm changing my last name. Its complicated to explain why, but I'll try.

I'm the last one in my line with blood AND name (I have cousins but 2 have their fathers last name and the other 3 are adopted). I was always so sure that i would never change my name. When my ex and i talked about marriage, he mentioned me being a *his last name* and I knew that I didnt want to marry him. Fast forward to my FH... and I cant imagine not being Mrs. Rumbach. I love my last name but it means so much to me that I'm excited to share his. It may sound silly but that's my reasoning.

He could change his to yours! I'm changing my last name to be the same as FHs but it's for tradition, I love his family and him, and we plan on having another kid some time down the road and want naming the kid to be less confusing as last time.