Thinking about taking husband's name

[Anonymous]

Been married for 6 years. Never really considered taking husband's name, but rethinking now that we are having a baby. Has anyone else done this?

[Anonymous]

I think it's pretty common. It sure does simplify things in the long run.

[Anonymous]

We hyphenated our names, so we all have the same last name. I know, I know...it's not for everybody, but works for us! My husband's last name is Scottish and mine is Irish; they work well together.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Been married for 6 years. Never really considered taking husband's name, but rethinking now that we are having a baby. Has anyone else done this?

This isn't nearly as important as finding an obscure, unpopular name for your snowflake. At least that's my takeaway from the anxious conversations happening in Expectant Moms.

[Anonymous]

No. DH has his name, I have my name and DD has our hyphenated names (still just a three syllable hyphenated name).

[Anonymous]

I always admired my mom for keeping her name, and later admired my dad for supporting that decision.

[Anonymous]

I took my husband's name so that we'd all have the same name. I kept my own as a second middle name. I have friends who both hyphenated like PP. I also have friends with different last names. I'm not sure it matters to anyone else but you; although some people get all bent out of shape when they don't know what to call you (as seen on dcum).

[Anonymous]

I think there was a thread on this recently, if you feel like searching for it.

[Anonymous]

You need to do what feels right. I don't think it simplifies things but ymmv.

Would you use your birth name professionally still or switch that as well?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Been married for 6 years. Never really considered taking husband's name, but rethinking now that we are having a baby. Has anyone else done this?

I took DH's name after the baby was born. At the time I felt it was important to have the same name as my child. I sort of regret in now: it is not as important as I thought to be and and it complicates my CV. Not changing it back, though.

[Anonymous]

Lesbian here — I took my wife's name, and I love it. I really wanted the whole family to have the same last name. I still get a little thrill every time I sign it – but being prevented from getting married for 15 years can do that to you, so possibly not the same situation. In any case, it really does simplify traveling and stuff with our kids.

Change your name if you can do it as an act of love and commitment towards your family. Don't do it if you feel like you have to, because you definitely don't.

[Anonymous]

My maiden name is difficult to pronounce and spell, my husbands last name is 3 letters and super easy. I chose his name, I wanted us all to have the same last name.

[Anonymous]

There are many things that make my life complicated. Having a different name than my husband and son is not one of them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You need to do what feels right. I don't think it simplifies things but ymmv.

Would you use your birth name professionally still or switch that as well?

OP here..good question. I probably would keep my name professionally. But again does that complicate things even more? Is hyphenating the best of both worlds? Does anyone use different names at work and at home? Again, never considered any of this until now

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Lesbian here — I took my wife's name, and I love it. I really wanted the whole family to have the same last name. I still get a little thrill every time I sign it – but being prevented from getting married for 15 years can do that to you, so possibly not the same situation. In any case, it really does simplify traveling and stuff with our kids.

Change your name if you can do it as an act of love and commitment towards your family. Don't do it if you feel like you have to, because you definitely don't.

This is my view as well. We are a single family unit and I want all of our last names, including mine, to reflect that. I'm so happy to have married into my DH's family line and I am proud to have my name reflect that. Other people's choices are equally valid and should be made for their own reasons that they feel strongly about. I don't get the judgement on this issue.