Keeping last name?

Question

When I get married, I want to keep my maiden last name.

Is this odd, because most people I talk to don't like that idea?

I don't feel that the female should be required to change her last name to match the husbands.

Girls, answer with info if you've done it.

Guys, please tell me what you think about it.

Answer 1

When I got married in the 1960s, keeping one's maiden name was unthinkable. But in Canada, since the early 1980s, a growing number of women keep their maiden names. Some of them use both names in their private lives, or add their husband's name after children are born into the marriage, but many do not.

Answer 2

Well, i am going to do that.

Hey, why do women have to take the mens last names anyway? Mostly, because a lot of the population, are sexist.

I say, keep your last name. If you like it, you have every right to keep it.

Answer 3

I have and so have my sisters to prevent a beautiful name disappearing. My husband was quite happy to have my surname included in his,  I always wanted a double barrel name, it sounds so posh.

Answer 4

I wasn't going to  change my name, I wanted to keep my Irish name.  I did change my name when I saw the problems my friends had with their children.  It is difficult if you have kids and the parents have two different names.  Now I use my maiden name as a middle name when I want to identify myself as irish.

Answer 5

I'm with the group that intends to keep mine if I ever get married.  I'm proud of my heritage, why should I reject it for what I consider an outmoded idea?  

If children were involved, I would hope that my spouse and I were able to settle on whichever name they would get.  My preference would simply be for the easiest to spell!  Mine or his, whatever.  If, as is the case for one of the other posters, using mine would mean his would die out, then by all means, we'd use his.  I have a nephew already and another brother not of age so my surname is secure.

Answer 6

It's not unusual to want to keep your name, and there's nothing wrong with it. I have a VERY rare surname though, so I would have wanted to keep it, but my partner's surname dies with him if our kids don't take it, so I'm happy to continue his line. I have two brothers anyway, so I'm hoping at least one nephew of mine can continue the family name.

Answer 7

I changed my last name only because I don't like the side of the family that the name is associated with, but I don't see anything wrong with keeping your name.  My aunt did and so have many of my friends.  Even had a guy friend who changed HIS last name to his wife's when he got married.

Answer 8

This is up to you and your husband only.. whatever you feel comfortable with.  I personally don't like the idea.. but you are not marrying me.  MANY women keep their last names for professional reasons.  

If other people don't like the idea, find other people to talk to. Come hang out with us, and find your ancestors. Lots of fun.