Pros and Cons of Changing Your Last Name After Marriage

According to a 2016 national survey, 89% of married women in the UK take their husbands’ last names after getting married.

However, an increasing number of women are choosing to keep their last names. In fact, between 2020 and 2021, the number of requests to retain maiden names rose by 30%. 

This begs the question: Should a woman take her husband’s name or not? 

It’s a tough decision, but in this article, we’ll go over some of the benefits and challenges of changing your last name after getting married so that you can make an informed decision.

Let’s get started!

Pros of Changing Your Last Name After Marriage

1. It helps you and your husband become a more cohesive unit.

The most obvious benefit of taking your husband’s last name is that it can help the two of you become a more cohesive unit (at least on paper). 

Most people will immediately understand your and your husband’s relationship because your shared last name will make it obvious. You won’t have to deal with clarifying questions, the same way you would if you and your husband had different last names.

2. There will be no question as to what last name your kids will get.

Another benefit of taking your husband’s surname is that it will make naming any children much easier. You’ll still have to agree on a first name, of course, but it’ll be easy to decide on the last name since you both share the same one. 

Otherwise, if you and your husband have different last names, knowing what last name to give your children can be tricky—especially since you obviously don’t like favoring one parent’s name over the other if you wouldn’t take your husband’s in the first place.

You and your children will all have the same last name (at least until your children get married or decide to change theirs). 

3. It helps solidify the bond between you and your husband.

If you’re getting married, you obviously share a special bond with your husband. Taking on his last name solidifies that bond by making it more tangible and visible. It’s a powerful symbol of your marriage and can help you feel like a team.

Getting married signals the start of a new family and phase of life, after all. So it makes sense to commemorate it by changing your last name.

4. It makes some aspects of day-to-day life easier.

On a more practical note, taking your husband’s surname can make some aspects of day-to-day life easier.

The simple truth is that most people expect you to have the same last name as your husband when you are married. Having a different one can be confusing, whether you’re filling out forms or introducing yourself to new acquaintances. 

By taking your husband’s last name, you avoid such issues altogether. 

Cons of Changing Your Last Name After Marriage

1. It can make your professional life inconsistent.

You may have built up a career and professional reputation under your maiden name (e.g. through the name of your law firm). If you change your last name, it’s not only asking family and friends to adjust, it’s asking the whole world to. 

This can lead to some confusion and may even cost you some business (leads who look for you under your maiden name may fail to find you). 

On a smaller note, you will need to change your work email address, business cards, and other personal labels—all of which can be tricky and take time.

2. It can be an arduous process.

Although legally changing your name isn’t that hard, updating your name everywhere can be. You’ll need to update your driver’s license, bank accounts, passport, and other IDs—not to mention all of your online accounts. 

This can be a lot to deal with, especially when you already have so many wedding preparations and arrangements to attend to. All the paperwork and time it takes to update your name everywhere will only add to the stress of getting married.

3. You lose a symbolic connection to your family and background.

Lastly, you may still have a deep connection to your maiden name. If so, changing it could prove emotionally difficult and could even lead to an identity crisis. 

For example, if there are few others to carry on your family’s last name, changing it could mean ending a family legacy. That’s a lot to ask of anyone.

The Final Verdict

Ultimately, the decision to change your last name after marriage is up to you. Your opinion is what matters most. It’s your name, after all. 

Just know that no matter what you choose, there will always be some people who disapprove. If you choose to keep your maiden name, some might judge you for not embracing your marriage and loving your spouse. If you choose to take your husband’s last name, some might judge you for being too old-fashioned and traditional. 

So do whatever feels right to you. That’s what counts most.