Long Hyphenated Names, Pros/Cons

@FreshToDeathAng You're right it is, because one think I know is I don't want to be just called Mrs. HisLast, That's why I wanted to hyphenate to begin with. That just isn't for me and that's also why I didn't want my maiden as my middle (besides professional reasons) because people won't respect it. I have my name hyphenated on facebook and no one uses my maiden first anyway which is such a pet peeve for me! It comes first for a reason. I will say being in this situation has made me much more conscious of using people's correct name and what they prefer. I don't mind taking the time to say it right if it makes them happy.

Here is my experience with this situation:

About 2 weeks before our wedding, I was on my way to my office when I noticed the HR Manager "fiddling" with my name plate on the door. When she stepped away, I noticed that the new plate had my first initial and a hyphenated last name. I asked her why my name was incorrect. She said she received my form advising of my name change and she ordered the new plate without reading it. She said she just knew I would be hyphenating my name. I asked her if she would read me the form which she did. The look on her face was complete devastation when she realized I was taking DH's last name.

Yes, it was a hassle, it's not the norm nowadays, but DH and I are old fashion. However, had I hyphenated, my last name is 7 letters. DH's is 12. That's too much. It's a personal choice.

I've had the reverse problem, I've had people be extremely rude to me because I wasn't taking my husbands. His family doesn't respect it at all which doesn't help the situation

Ironically his last name is much longer and more difficult to pronounce and spell than mine so I would be spelling it out anyway forever if I took his. I don't mind the length or the hassle, it's worth it to me. Since it's something I deeply care about my bs tolerance will be pretty high. I'm just not someone who wants to be Mrs. His Last. I am very interested in the experiences of those who have chosen a long name.

I have a hyphenated name since birth, and I also have a very weird first name and middle name. It is a hassle.

Whenever trying to tell someone my full name I have to say "but wait there's more!", when they think I must be done with my super complicated name. Constantly having it spelled incorrectly, and having to call places to have it corrected. Sometimes places use the second last name to alphabetize my name, and then it takes forever to find it. Some places use a space instead of a hyphen because their systems can't handle it. Theres the credit card issue that was mentioned.

I've had it my whole life, so I've gotten used to it. Also, if the names are simple, like Smith-Jones, you won't have as many problems.

I thought about this but my daughter has FH name, and I want us to all match. So as compromise I think I will drop my middle name and replace it with my maiden name, then take his last name.

I've always thought I would hyphenate my last if I ever got married. Well it's coming soon and I can't wait to take his last name especially since FH and his mom (or sister) have never had the same last name. So I will be the first Mrs. ____. In his family.

Medical records gal here..ugh... hyphenated names.. you'll come in for your appointment and check in... The person at the front desk will type in your name and see it's Smith-Johnson....they will enter "Sarah Smith Johnson" now it seems like your middle name is Smith... Then you have it corrected... One day I'll have to enter something in your chart and I can't find you...because you called to inform them it's hyphenated.. now you are under Sarah Smithjohnson ... So then you come in for an appt again...you check in and she can't find your name..Ohhhh there you are, you change it again... Now she changes your name to Johnskn-Smith, Sarah..... Now I have two charts for you in the same system that I have to call IT and have them combine...go and track down your ID and figure out what your ID says then assume that's what you actually go by.. lol.. it can be a hassle sometimes... That's all I got

I thought about having my last name be hyphenated when we got married but after talking it over, it seemed too long and like it would be a hassle. So my fiancé is taking my last name,since there is no connection to his family with that name. My dad was beyond thrilled our name will live on being from a family of all girls; )

@Kaitlyn ^^^ is awesome!

My name will be 22 letters long (not including middle) if I hyphenate my last name. I'm not sure what I am going to do because I love my middle name and do not want to get rid of it by making my maiden name my new middle name but I also do not want to keep my middle name and get rid of my last name. Aye yi yi!