Why women change their name when married? In My country we don't?

Question

I don't understand why women have to change their name.
My husband is north american and I'm mexican.
We don't change our name in mexico. And it's not for feminism it's always been like that. my ancestors didn't do it either. I haven't changed it but,
I really would like to know why north americans do it.
we live in mexico, but when we visit in the states people think that we are not married, it bugs me.

Also, kids must have both last names,
in this order:
1 fathers, 2 mothers
it is interesting all that's been answered,
be polite please.

Answer 1

It's traditional in our culture for a woman to change her name, just as it is traditional not to in your culture.
I think the primary reason besides tradition is for the sense of unity it gives. You're dedicating yourself to each other by taking a name in common. In addition its less confusing for children and government--it is obvious by your names that you are related to each other and a family.
I don't buy the whole "patriarchal" society argument as a reason not to change your name. The name you are born with is your fathers name which is patriarchal, so why would you resist changing it on that basis.
If you feel more comfortable with staying with Mexican tradition then by all means keep your name, if people ask then explain that its traditional. I bet most people will find that interesting. Keeping your name doesn't have the stigma that it used to--so do as you please :)

Answer 2

I've always found this subject very interesting. The woman changes her name and all of her children bear the name of the father.

Doesn't the opposite make more sense? I mean you are much more like to "know" who your Mother is, but the same cannot be said for your father.

Answer 3

I don't know how others believe, but once you are married You and your husband are developing your own family? Eventually, you are the Role Model of the family. I beleive in order for the children to know that mother and father belong the whole family needs tocarry the same name. If the mother does not change her last name when married WHOS" last name will the children have?

Answer 4

I definately agree that it is a choice. It is traditional for a woman to take her husbands name, but I've also heard of men taking their wife's name... WHen I marry, I won't change my last name, but add it to my name. I want to hold on to my last name because it's all i have left of my father, and don't want to change it

Answer 5

It's really a decision made by the wife. When my wife and I got married she let me know right off the bat that she wasn't changing her name. I was fine with it. To this day she still carries her maiden name. She told me the reason she doesn't want to change her last name is to avoid SS# headaches.

Answer 6

this might nicely be a not basic quandary as interior the widespread society it variety of feels something is going. i for my section like it if the girl differences her call to his because it stops rather some confusion yet rather some women human beings prefer to maintain their independence. some women human beings do it for professional motives yet i think of that once some years of informing their shoppers that they are able to then replace it. there is the different reason that the call does not gel inclusive of a woman referred to as Jenna might desire to not take on the surname Tahlia for worry of embarrassment.

Answer 7

In america we dont have to take our hubbys name, but we chose too, he can take the womens name if he wants too but not to many men do that..im proud to be married to him and i love him with all my heart and this is just one way of showing it..not all children gets their fathers name either.but for the most part they do.if the mother took the fathers name then usually the child gets the fathers name, but in alot of cases the child gets the mothers name..it all depends on what your beliefs are..



Thank you mother flower..i really enjoyed your answers..
from one proud american women to another..

Answer 8

It's because we now belong to our husbands. I bow before him and have accepted his domination. He owns me and his every wish is my command!
No but seriously, it's up to us we don't HAVE to change our last name. It took me 1 year to decide if I wanted to change it or not after I was married. It's not that serious. Lighten up, if America bugs you, don't come here. (I'm German and Mexican, born in Portland, OR)
"And I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free!
And I'll proudly stand up and defend her still today, cause there ain't no doubt I love this laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand, GOD BLESS THE USA!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Lee Greenwood


Thanks for the negative ratings on my negative answer to this negative question! I will continue to do what ever the hell I want and I still love you all XOXOXOXOX!

Answer 9

Lots of places change the name lots don't. Changing to have one family name is significantly better for the children and the identification of their parents. Why are you bugged by what perfect or in this case imperfect strangers think?

Answer 10

Taking on your husbands name is a choice. You don't have to but majority of the people do.