Hyphenated middle name?

It's really a personal decision. I always thought I'd keep my full name, it's unique and I'm the last in line with the name. But.... I don't want to change my middle name nor hyphenate it with my last, it would be too much of a tongue twister.

Just go with your gut

Jenny,
I totally understand I'm experiencing this situation as well. For me because of my age im closer to SS therefore, I'm going to continue using my hyphenated name until I totally retire. It's TOO MUCH of a hassle with all years invested and paperwork involved. Good luck on your decision.

I think the second is fine. I am making my maiden name my second middle name because I am not dropping my original middle name and while FH would rather me keep my maiden name or take his but I am going to have two middle names and take his last name. I think I will on checks and what not use the initial of my maiden name or when I sign stuff.

I agree that it is a personal decision. It's different for everyone. I have two last names (my dad's first, my mom's second). I couldn't decide if I wanted to add his on, keep mine, etc. I am the first in my family to attend college, so when I get my BA I wanted my parents names on it. But my parents are proud of me either way, and it doesn't matter to them what my last name is. My fiance wants me to take his last name so that's what I am going to do. After all, I love him and I would love for us and the kids to all have the same last name. Ask your fiance what he wants, and think about what you want. You can always decide on something in the middle.

I love the idea of a hyphenated middle name, that's what I'm planning to do

Love it, do it! SSA let me add my maiden name to my middle name without hyphenating. So I am: First Middle Maiden Married on my social security card and drivers license. It’s actually come in handy a couple times when something was titled in my maiden name, the person just goes: oh great you still have that as part of your name! 😂

I love the idea, but I'm not sure hyphenating your middle name will make things as easy as you're describing. I think people will see the hyphen, assume your name is messed up, and try to rename you Jennifer Lacey Rose-Brager. My brother's first, middle, and last names each work as a first, middle, or last name, and people scramble his name all the time. I'd keep all of the names but skip the hyphen. I was going to say, "if I was on your position..." but I don't need to because I'm also 31 and when SSA offices open up, I'll have four names, too.

Hi there! I got married in 2017 and thought of doing the same thing — flash forward to now and my passport is the only thing that’s not updated, and it probably won’t be for a longgggg bc of covid delays!


I honestly wish I had never began the name change process and just kept my full maiden name. It is such a TEDIOUS, time consuming process!! Hence why I had to do a little at a time over a long time.
I’ve also had soooo many complications when it comes to ID situations with two middle names. I actually just told my husband a few days ago that if we have kids that want to change their name when they get married, we have to strongly advise them it’s not worth the hassle!

View Quoted Comment Will you share more on what complications you ran into with 2 middle names? I’m thinking of doing this too.