Name That Bride!

To hyphenate or not to hyphenate? That is... an easy question for me to answer! I will NOT be hyphenating my last name come August of 2009 when I tie the knot with my Mr.

Does that solve all my name-related problems? Hardly.

During my romantic, wistful younger years, I longed for the day when I could become Mrs. Him (whoever he was). A united soul, a congress of hearts, together under one family name. His.

Now, I fully understand several reasons why many women keep their maiden name when they marry. Some have built their entire careers with their maiden name. Published papers, received degrees, etc. They feel as if they will have to "start from scratch" with name recognition if they change to his name. Some women also refuse to claim any dependence on their men-- choosing instead to maintain their full identity from singlehood, as evidenced from keeping their name.

Yet another reason I've heard is, "My current last name is much shorter and easier to pronouce and spell than his last name is!" Iffy, but still fairly rational.

If I were to keep my maiden name, it would be for zero reasons listed above. I will be graduating with a Masters next Spring, but I'm sure I could maintain recognition with my network contacts under a new name. I still like the idea of joining with my man in name as in life, so I have no qualms about changing my last name for "independence" reasons. And his last name is just as easy to say and spell as mine.

No, if I were to keep my name it would be for: history. My family name is recognizable all over my hometown. Large streets are named after us. Certain cemetaries are entirely populated (?) by my near and distant family and ancestors. We have a history here. I have an intimate and sentimental connection with my family name that I am very proud of. We're not exactly American royalty, but in my heart it means a lot to me to carry my name!

More than that, my family name dies... with me. Or I suppose with my father. I am the only child of the only son in my branch of the family tree. We can take our name back, generation to generation, father to son, for hundreds of years. But now, as soon as I change that name, it will vanish!

That's a lot of pressure!

I want to become his family. I am 99.9% sure I will take his name. But I am 100% sure that I will miss the name I have now!

What are your opinions on women changing their names? If you aren't planning to change your last name, whose name will your future children have? I'd love to have some feedback on this subject!