Wrestling with Changing Names?

To change names or not? This is one of the inevitable debates facing most brides-to-be. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Name changing service www.easynamechange.com reports from their annual survey that most brides come across some anxiety in the lead up to their nuptials. Surprisingly though, more brides are rushing to change names than ever before.

How many of us change names?

Magazine Bride To Be reports that before their wedding, more than 80% or brides plan to take their husband’s name. Easy Name Change suspects this grows to around 85%, as many women may initially hang onto their maiden name, then go onto change it with the arrival of children.

But it’s not without some regret

While almost 40% of brides are happier after changing names, there are also a few brides that resent having to make the change. More than one quarter of brides who have changed names feel some loss after making the change. And it’s no surprise either. “With a lifetime of identity and achievements under my name, it was such a disconnect to wake up one day with a new name and I felt like an imposter.” reported one anonymous survey respondent.

It wasn’t always this way…

In the 70s and 80s taking your husband’s name was unpopular, particularly among the more educated and professional women. One of the biggest, and now somewhat cringe worthy fashions was to slap the husband’s name on the end of one’s own surname, creating double barreled surnames. At the time brides believed it was the best of both worlds. Now it’s seen as the worst of everything, with the bride being the only one in the family to have a different name, and one that is not carried on.

The modern bride’s perspective

While you may feel some anxiety and dread at the thought of having to change names, there is logic to the trend. Over 85% of brides surveyed reported they were motivated to change names so the ‘whole family would have the same name’. 84% also agreed that they wanted to change names ‘as a sign commitment to their new family.’

Tips to make it easier

While a new name may seem daunting, the administration itself it’s a relatively simple process. Take some head space advice from women who have been there and done that;

• Think of it more as a family change than a name change. Hanging onto your dad’s name can seem much less important that the new family you will create together.
• The first few months was awkward, and I constantly signed the wrong name. Once 6 months had passed it was so not a big deal and I wonder why I felt so concerned.
• It’s just a name (providing you’re getting one that sounds good!) The important things will remain the same
• If you’re changing, take the plunge and get the paperwork done quickly!