Why Does The Woman Change Her Last Name When Married?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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It's a gesture that leaves no room for doubt—

changing their surname after shows they're all in

. For others, taking their husbands' surname is more about the status of the family unit—when there is a family unit to speak of. Having a different last name than your is unlikely to confuse your children.

Should a woman change her last name after marriage?

While

there is no law in the United States requiring a name change after marriage

, the tradition is still very much alive and well, thanks in part to its historical underpinnings in English (and subsequently American) common law. Historically, a person's surname was not considered all that important.

Why do females change their last name?

The tradition of women changing their last names

to match their husbands'

has its origins in the property transfer that took place upon marriage, Scheuble said. Essentially, women went from being part of their parents' family to becoming their husbands' property.

How does a woman change her last name after marriage?

You'll need

to upload a supporting document

(it requests your driver's license, state ID card, or passport) that shows your new name, and once processed, a new card will be mailed to you. Other companies request that a certified copy of your marriage license be mailed to them in order to process the change.

Can I use my married name without legally changing it?


Most states allow one or both spouses to change their last names

without a separate name change petition after getting married. You could choose to take your spouse's last name, hyphenate your last names, or in some states, choose a new last name unrelated to either your name or your spouse's name.

Where in the Bible does it say a woman should take her husbands last name?

Additionally, those with this belief look to

Ephesians 5:22-24

which calls women to submit to their husbands in everything. “Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord.

Who is the only first lady that did not change your last name upon marriage?


Louisa Catherine Adams

, the first of America's First Ladies to be born outside of the United States, did not come to this country until four years after she had married John Quincy Adams.

Does your name automatically change when married?

If you marry in Australia you

can take the surname of your husband or wife without formally changing your name

. You can usually change identity documents such as your driver's licence and passport to your married surname by providing a copy of your standard marriage certificate.

Can your husband take your last name?

You can keep your maiden name, hyphenate or

come up with a new name that combines both of your last names

. … That's because, depending on the state, your husband's name change may not be considered part of the marriage process, but instead is seen as a legal name change where a marriage license isn't enough.

Can I use my maiden name and married name together?

Some people change their legal name, but

continue to use their maiden name after marriage

. … You also may be able to obtain authorization to do business as your new name without changing documents—this is called a “doing business as” approval, or DBA.

How long do you have to change your name after getting married?

FAQ. How long do you have to change your name after getting married?

You have as long as you want to change your

name after getting married. While many states prefer that you notify them that you've changed your name within 30 days after your wedding, you'll still be allowed to change your name even if you wait.

What last name does a baby get if not married?

In cases where the child is born out of wedlock, the

child often gets the mother's last name

. But if paternity is established, both parents have the right to petition the court to change the child's last name. After the name change, the court will issue a new birth certificate with the changed name.

Can you change your last name for no reason?

1. You can name yourself anything, with a few exceptions. If you don't like your birth name,

you can legally change it to whatever you want

… with a few exceptions. … You also can't change your name to commit fraud, evade law enforcement, or avoid paying any debts you owe.

Can you change your last name after getting married?

In Alberta,

you do not have to legally change your name after getting married

. You may assume a married last name.

What do I need to update after getting married?

  1. Your Social Security card. If you've changed your name, this should be your first stop. …
  2. Your driver's license. …
  3. Your credit union/bank account information. …
  4. Your payroll information. …
  5. Your life insurance and retirement accounts. …
  6. Your insurance policies. …
  7. Your creditors.

Why should you take your husbands last name?

Sharing a name with your husband can

make you feel more like

a cohesive team, or a ‘real family'. Any future children would share the same name as both of you. This makes things easier, and again contributes to the family feel. Having your husband's name may make your day-to-day life a little easier.

Maria LaPaige
Author
Maria LaPaige
Maria is a parenting expert and mother of three. She has written several books on parenting and child development, and has been featured in various parenting magazines. Maria's practical approach to family life has helped many parents navigate the ups and downs of raising children.