Married ladies- did you change your name when you got married? I kind of want to keep my last name professionally but then take his name legally for our kids or whatever. Is that a thing? I feel sad losing my last name entirely, I also feel like in this industry you kind of build a brand for yourself and your name is everything? He’s not huge the idea and I also hate being expected to or told to do anything.

I didn’t change my name. Happy I didn’t. The kids have my husbands name though

Been married almost 4 years and I did not change my last name. There’s a lot of equity I’ve built into my brand over the years and awards all attached to my name. I may hyphenate legally when we have kids for ease of travel. But my name is my name, it’s my identity, it doesn’t need to change just because I’ve chosen to share my life with my husband.

With this administration- keep your last name if you want to vote.

Yo, not American, but can’t kids just have both last names?

HECK no!!! If it isn’t broken…

Imagine a group of men having this discussion.

I wish I hadn’t taken his name (in hindsight). I guess I’m also just not down with taking any man’s name at this point, regardless. I got divorced and kept my ex’s last name so I’d have the same last name as my kids as they grew up. Now that my kids are 15 & 17, I just went through the process of changing my name legally and I’m choosing my mother’s maiden name. I just like the idea that it’s my choice. And so, this is your choice. Do what YOU want. There are no rules around it. My brother wasn’t happy when my SIL decided not to change her name when they got married but he quickly got over it and now admits that it’s not a big deal (after having major fights about it when they were engaged). Bottom line, it’s your life! Best of luck to you and congratulations! Much happiness to you both.

I didn’t change it and our kids will have both of our last names. It’s the traditional way in Latino families and with so many queer couples choosing to do the same, I don’t think it’s unusual anymore for kids to have both parents’ surnames. I also don’t like the idea that my identity should change upon marriage but my husband’s shouldn’t.

My husband has both of his parents’ last names and I grew up with a mom who had a completely different last name from me even though my parents are married. It was never an issue.

I have heard it’s a pain to have two names. I jumped in and opted to just change my name and folks quickly adapted no ‘brand’ lost for me with my maiden name. I have heard the opposite from other folks, they strongly prefer having their work name with their maiden name. To each their own, so do what feels right for you.

I did not change ny last name. Zero regrets.

I did exactly what you suggested, OP. Legally I took my husband’s name (and moved my maiden to my middle so it’s still on my ID, which I find convenient). Professionally I kept my maiden name since that’s my reputation and because like you, I didn’t want to lose my old name. My linked in has both names since it covers people who know both sides of me. 6 years into marriage I’m happy with my decision!

i did what you were thinking of and its worked for me! kept my maiden name for work but changed it legally so i have the same last name as husband and kiddos

Make your maiden name your middle name. It I know lots of women who did as you would like to do

I didn’t, but not opposed to changing it, only because I never really cared much about last names in general, mine or others.

For my personal brand, I’d rather people remember me by first name only. Like Beyonce or Adele. 😁

With the current state of political events, I’d advise you NOT to change it. Your ability to vote could be at risk, under the wrong circumstances.

I didn’t change my name. I haven’t had any problems. I would not marry if I had to change my name. Other people do seem to have some problems with it. Many simply assume I had taken my husband’s name, so I have to correct them when formal documentation is involved. I’ve also had to explain it to my kids.

I kept my last name, it’s rare so I didn’t want to give it up. My daughter’s last name is hyphenated. Dad’s last name first, followed by mine. Her name is long but it works for us. She’s 7 and likes having both names represented.

I changed my last name, but did it gradually. Was easier for kids etc, BUT I’ve been married for 25 years and regret it. I wish I’d kept my maiden name. I miss that as part of my identity. My sister kept her maiden name and sometimes it’s annoying with kids etc. but it’s been fine!

I changed my name because it became two syllables, and people think of me this way, it was deliberate choice. And, I was kinda mad at my Dad and my parents divorce. I kept my middle name which was my mothers maiden name out a kind allegiance to women power and having full control of these decisions. No one really cares honestly- do what’s important to you. Consider in the other hand, my mother changed her name three times and after last divorce reclaimed her maiden name forever. She had a career, wrote a couple books all under different names. She was balancing independence with societal norms and women’s “lib” of her generation.
Embrace the choice you are allowed in our culture.

Nope. Everybody knows me with my last name, I’ll keep it forever. My son has 2 last names, mine and dads :)