Question on Russian surnames?

Question

I know that some last names have the masculine and feminine form. My question is, when you marry are you required to take the feminine version of the name, or is it possible to go by the same as your husband? Is that uncommon? Also, is it just a tradition in Russia? For example is it something Russian Americans do, or Russians in other countries?

Answer 1

Yes, it is required. It just doesn't make sense to leave the last name in the masculine form when you know full well that you are female (I can't really provide a good analogy, but imagine introducing yourself to everyone as Henry. People would be puzzled, don't you think?). It's worth noting that certain surnames cannot be changed and are the same for both genders (mostly these are of Ukrainian origin ending in -enko-, -ko-, -yuk-, -yak-, but also odd Russian surnames, like Lebed')

Russian Americans take the husband's form because no such distinction exists in English. Most of the time this is true for cases when both individuals are Russian Americans, at least from what I've seen (lots of women with mismatched surnames). Probably due to complications with paperwork, etc.

Answer 2

If you don't want to change your surname just don't do it :-) It is not strictly required in Russia to take a surname of husband. If you want to take the surname of your husband (the masculine form) you and your husband just need to talk about it with officials in ZAGS :-) before your wedding if you plan it in Russia.

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http://russianwomenshome.com/simplemachi...

Answer 3

hello.....

     I have my Dad´s Last name and of course is ...the feminine version,but i am not going to change...if i don´t want ...to!

   p.s.  almost all the women in Russia...go by the husband´s last name,but there is no...law. -- only.......... tradition....

Answer 4

All countries that used to be part of Russia do it, and yes, Russian women have to change their last names to a ladies' form. However, if a Russian woman were to move to America (like my mom and myself) and you can't really change American last names like that, so you just leave them the way they for.

Ex: A Russian woman named Olya came to live in U.S. and married Steven Clark, her name would now be Olya Clark, no changes.

Hope that helped :]