Five Minute Blog Post // The Reason For Changing My Name
Today I wanted to write this post as I know it can be quite a controversial topic to talk about, especially during the age of feminism, girl power and equality; why I’ve decided to change my name when I get married.
I’ve never really thought too much about changing my name, and if I’m honest, when I’ve been asked in the past, I’ve almost decided on the spot that I would, but the more and more I think about, I am really happy with my decision.
If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ll know that I have a double-barrel surname, which has meant that I am the only Dixon-Smith of my kind -something I’ve always been quite proud of, and the decision to take my husband-to-be’s name did not come lightly to me. But with having the same name all my life, I also feel as though I am ready for the change, ready to be a little team of two and start a new and exciting chapter as a married couple: I also want our future children to have the same name as Jordan and I.
I know a lot of people think that taking your husband’s name is old-fashioned and unnecessary and that you are giving in to society and losing your identity, but I also feel that you are making a vow to each other, and having the same last name emulates that you are a little package of two.
I completely get that every bride is different, and the decision with whether to take their husband’s name, double barrel both of them, or have no change at all isn’t something to take lightly because it is a big deal at the end of the day, and I completely see it from all different perspectives.
Don’t get me wrong, it is going to be a bit of a nightmare to change all of my bank details, our mortgage, my car insurance, passport, and NHS records, amongst all of the other nitty-gritty bits that I’m sure I’ll forget about until I am swimming in a pile of letters addressed to Dixon-Smith in 3 years time – side note, if I can hire someone to do this for me, please let me know – and to be quite honest, I don’t even know where to start, but fingers crossed it won’t be as overwhelming as I’m thinking!
–
Love this one Ellie. If/when I get married, I’d like to take my future husbands name too. Like you say, its creating a little team and taking on a new chapter. It’s something to be excited about and celebrate in my opinion. Xxx
I’m glad you like it! It’ll be you next before you know it Mrs. Gee 😉 xxx
I’ve been married 33 years and married at a time when it was traditional to take on your husbands name. However I have always considered myself to be resourceful and financially independent. I do not feel that taking on your husbands name in any way makes you less so. I’m proud to share the same name in the same way that I share everything in my life with him.
There’s nothing wrong with tradition. Wishing you every happiness
Thank you, Elaine 🙂 I couldn’t agree more xxx
I changed my name from Jenkins to Oikonomou-now that’s commitment! lol But I did it because I wanted to be a part of a team. It didn’t matter to either of us what name we took just as long as we were part of the same unit.
What a name!! I love it! I definitely agree, it’s more about the commitment than the name 🙂 xxx
Hurrah! and well said Ellie. I changed to a Smith when we married and i have never regretted it. Congrats!
Aww I’m glad! As much as I’ll miss Smith, I’m excited for something new 🙂 xxx
My husband and I compromised and our surname is his and my maiden name is our middle name and our daughters. It really annoys me when people have a go at women for taking their husbands name; the whole point is for us to have a CHOICE and if that is what is right for you then perfect and amazing!
Changing details is honestly easier than you’d think!
I totally get why youre changing yours – I’m the opposite – I kept my name when I got married at age 50 – many reasons but mostly because it’s my identity esp at work, it was expensive and complicated and i don’t think I’d remember my new name talking to bank etc – husband wasn’t bothered either way.