In this day and age...

[SallyAnne]

Mrs Patterson doesn't sound so bad, or if he's new age Mr Emberg is OK

[WindyAnna]

Didn't change my name when I got married, neither did Mr WA. I have had this name for a long time and I'm used to it. Don't see why I should change it to my husband's, has made no difference to anything and has never caused us a problem with any sort of officialdom or finance. I'm not unusual in this - on my last contract the two women who sat closest to me hadn't changed their names and here there are 3 women on the same back of desks who haven't. Most of my mates have changed their names though, but not all.

It's not for any crazy feminist reason, I just don't see the point. I wouldn't have a go at anyone who chose to change it.

I have a friend who changed her name personally but not professionally and that frequently causes problems when travel is booked for her and in claiming expenses incurred in another name!

My daughter has my husband's surname, not sure what took us to that conclusion but something did!

[cailin maith]

I took ex-husbands name, now I can't wait to get rid of it. Mine changed when I was a little kid anyway (just started school) as I was adopted and it took ages to get used to. Now I can't wait to go back to my maiden name and I reckon "IF" I was ever to get married (not likely after this morning!!) again I'd just keep my own name - too much hassle to change it again!

[shaunbhoy]

As marriage is seemingly dying out it will all be immaterial soon. Under NL a woman only needs to have used the same lavatory as you to be entitled to half your worldly goods anyway. Why worry about anything as disgustingly traditional as changing one's name?

[VectraMan]

I wouldn't change my name, so I wouldn't expect any future wife to do so. But I've heard a few women say "it won't feel like I'm properly married unless I change my name".

Must be a bit confusing for kids though, and it seems the tradition still stands more often than not when it comes to choosing which parent's surname the kids get (i.e. the father's).

[SallyAnne]

Didn't change my name when I got married, neither did Mr WA. I have had this name for a long time and I'm used to it. Don't see why I should change it to my husband's, has made no difference to anything and has never caused us a problem with any sort of officialdom or finance. I'm not unusual in this - on my last contract the two women who sat closest to me hadn't changed their names and here there are 3 women on the same back of desks who haven't. Most of my mates have changed their names though, but not all.

It's not for any crazy feminist reason, I just don't see the point. I wouldn't have a go at anyone who chose to change it.

I have a friend who changed her name personally but not professionally and that frequently causes problems when travel is booked for her and in claiming expenses incurred in another name!

My daughter has my husband's surname, not sure what took us to that conclusion but something did!

Its all just wierd and baffing isn't it? Dont you feel wierd not having the same name as your daughter?

I'm trying to keep saying the name, so I get used to it. I just dont think I want to let go of me, but I also dont want to be silly either

[NotAllThere]

My wife changed to my surname when we got married. But when we left the UK, she got it back as part of a double barrelled surname. And mine was changed almost the same way.

Mr Smith and Miss Jones -> Mr and Mrs Smith -> Mr Smith - Jones and Mrs Jones Smith.

[SallyAnne]

My wife changed to my surname when we got married. But when we left the UK, she got it back as part of a double barrelled surname. And mine was changed almost the same way.

Mr Smith and Miss Jones -> Mr and Mrs Smith -> Mr Smith - Jones and Mrs Jones Smith.

eh?

[DimPrawn]

My wife changed to my surname when we got married. But when we left the UK, she got it back as part of a double barrelled surname. And mine was changed almost the same way.

Mr Smith and Miss Jones -> Mr and Mrs Smith -> Mr Smith - Jones and Mrs Jones Smith.

Now known as alias Smith and Jones.

I'm showing my age now...

[moorfield]

Off on a slight tangent, is there any custom with civil partnerships ?

Not quite sure how best to put this, but does the "liftee" take the "lifter's" name or vice versa, if you see what I mean ?