Should a woman change her name when she gets married?

Question

I think not, but that's just my opinion.

Answer 1

I didn't and was glad, because when I divorced, I didn't have to change a thing.

Answer 2

I think a woman should do whatever SHE wants to do. So e women like the tradition, and some don't. I do feel; however, that a woman should never change her name because her husband wants and/or tells her to. I didn't change my name when I got married (although every now and then I think my husband really wanted me to, but I don't care). That's just the way I did it.

Answer 3

I believe that its a case by case scenario that only the woman should decide. Anyone can change their name at any point in time, thats there decision. I'm changing my name when I get married, and take great honor and pride in the fact of my marriage. My sister is getting married a few months later and is adding her soon to be husbands name to hers with a hyphen. I think its a personal decision. I still love my family and me changing my last name is in no disrespect to them, and they know it.

Answer 4

if you marry john smith, in the US you are now technically Mrs. John Smith. This is also why there is a Mr. in Mrs. So leagally you dont have a choice, what you are talking about is changing your common name, not your legal name, the common name is often used to Identify you, so on ID's and Mail, and just what people call you.

I would say that you should change this name, It lets people know that you guys are together, and that you are married. Ultimatly it is a show of commtment and dedication and is just, if not more important than the rings that you will wear on your finger for the rest of your lives.

It is a symbol, but thats it. It says that we are going to be together for the rest of our lives, I'm sure of it, so, I;m gonna take your name.

If you dont feel dedicated enough to take his name, then your might not be ready for marriage.


at the end of the ceremony you should want to be presented as Mr, and Mrs. Smith.

not "I present to you Mr. Smith and Mrs. Doe," then have a whisper "they are married now by the way"

Answer 5

It used to be t he traditional thing to do. Nowadays women either hyphenate their name with their mates name, or keep their maiden name. Me personally, unless for business reasons, I would be more than proud to carry my husbands last name. I think it's up to the individual woman.

Answer 6

It is up to her. I changed my name twice, if you wish, you can go back to your maiden name after a divorce. It is a personal choice. It does not reflect on the marriage one way or the other.

Answer 7

I think it is up to the people, my fiancée wants to change her name, just so it's the same as mine, but I don't think all should be forced to, some people change to the females surname instead and some keep their names, changing names isn't the law, but the truth is, most people like it. It shows they are proud.

Answer 8

I don't think so, personally. That tradition was concieved as a sign of ownership over the female. It has some very sexist and shameful roots.

Obviously, you should be able to do whatever you like. But if I ever get married, I won't be changing my name.

Answer 9

One of my daughters decided to keep her name, but then she was trying to straighten out her husband's finances, both personal and for his business. She ran into all kinds of trouble trying to convince people that she was his wife because of the different names, so she finally changed her name to his. It also makes it easier now that they have a son.
My other daughter kept her name and has had not problems with it.

Answer 10

Hey, to each his/her own. I did because it made things easier for me with being married into the military. But a lot of women choose to keep their maiden names or hyphenate their maiden & married names.

Answer 11

Because the society dictates her so, she must but it's just for the paper. She can retain her maiden name but then again society will frown upon that. She should have the choice of changing it or not.