7 Reasons to Take Your Husband's Last Name ...

By Alicia • Jan 21, 2014 MD

Although there are a lot of reasons cited to not take your husband’s last name, I want to discuss the reasons to take your husband’s last name. While many women choose the modern trend of keeping their last name or hyphenating their last name, there are advantages of making the choice to change your name. These reasons to take your husband’s last name will benefit you, your husband, your marriage and your life together.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Want more like this? Subscribe for personalized picks.

Successfully subscribed.

Check your inbox for personalized content.

1. Men Love It

Okay, let’s just get this out of the way. Most men love when their wife chooses to take their last name. Of course your feelings matter, but the fact that this makes him very happy is one of the good reasons to take your husband’s last name. After all, marital harmony is a good thing, right?

Thinking...

Please leave your email and we’ll get back to you on that.

2. Easier Business Transactions

This is something you may not think about beforehand but having two different last names can cause confusion. It can make business a little bit difficult. A lot of people will assume that you share a last name and proceed in business with that assumption in mind. Then you have to wait for a correction to take place regarding those business transactions. It can be frustrating and aggravating.

Thinking...

Please leave your email and we’ll get back to you on that.

3. Easier for Children to Understand

Taking your husband’s last name is a lot easier than explaining to your future children why Mommy and Daddy have different names. It also eliminates the debate over what the child’s last name will be. It eliminates hyphens and explaining why Mommy may have a different name than they do. It saves a lot of confusion. Most children like it that everyone in the home has the same last name, if possible.

Thinking...

Please leave your email and we’ll get back to you on that.

4. Better for Monograms and Décor

This is a very small reason to take your husband’s last name but it is worth mentioning. If you do not share a last name, getting things monogrammed or buying décor with the family name is out. This may be okay with you. I personally enjoy things that have our family name on them. It is a point worth considering.

Thinking...

Please leave your email and we’ll get back to you on that.

If you're looking to engage your partner in intriguing conversations, why not try some hypothetical questions for couples? These fun queries will not only keep the conversation lively but also stimulate deep thoughts and potentially reveal insights about each other's personality and thought processes.

5. A Sense of Unity

Having the same last name gives you a sense of unity. It has a strong family feel for you to share the same last name. For our family, we love and enjoy being “The Fannins.” It is also a quick and easy way to sign Christmas cards. Additionally, it is an easy way to list your name for reservations. Those are just small things to consider.

Thinking...

Please leave your email and we’ll get back to you on that.

6. One Less Issue with in-laws

A lot of in-laws would frown upon a daughter-in-law that does not take their son’s name. This is not true of all in-laws, of course. However, who wants yet another issue with in-laws? In-law relationships can be fraught with tension anyway. You can eliminate this one if you choose to take your husband’s last name.

***

This article highlights the benefits of taking your husband’s last name. Not only does it signify a new chapter in your life, but it can also be a great way to honor your husband and his family. Taking your husband’s last name can also make it easier to build a shared identity with your partner and can help unify a blended family. Additionally, taking your husband’s last name can help eliminate one source of potential tension with in-laws. This is especially true if in-laws would have otherwise been disappointed if you did not take their son’s name. Ultimately, taking your husband’s last name is a personal decision and should be made according to what is right for you and your family.

Thinking...

Please leave your email and we’ll get back to you on that.

7. Less Misunderstandings

It is just easier to take your husband’s last name. Many people are going to assume that you have, anyway. It will save you from correcting people throughout your life together. It is one less hassle you will have. It will make your lives easier in this aspect.

Taking your husband’s last name is a personal decision that each woman has to make for herself, but these are some reasons in favor of doing so. If you took your husband’s last name, what were the reasons you chose to do so?

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Want more like this? Subscribe for personalized picks.

Successfully subscribed.

Check your inbox for personalized content.

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

  • Sapna

    2014-01-22T07:18:00.000Z

    This article is again retrogading women why females change their name post marriage one reason is unity ? Seriously c'mon as a female I was born n given some identity why the same ahud be changed just cos I'm married in some cultures females are asked to change the firsts name also I hope someone doesn't come with this article
  • dkewbe

    2014-02-18T21:41:50.610Z

    If your primary concern in getting married is monogrammed towels, then yes, you should absolutely take your husband's name.
  • Erin

    2014-11-24T01:30:13.753Z

    And yes, please don't wear a diamond ring, either, unless you're buying him one, too.
  • Lisa

    2014-01-22T01:47:08.000Z

    I think the man could take the woman's last name. Also this is exclusionary toward same sex couples.
  • Joan

    2014-01-22T04:37:22.000Z

    For some one who has to ask names to look into files, i hate when they gave me their husbands' last name. Takes me so much longer to have the right file.
  • Janet

    2014-01-22T00:34:00.000Z

    I kept my own name, double barrelled the kids name & rarely get called by my husband's name. He however is alway getting called by my name & doesn't have a problem. He encouraged me to keep my name as it wasn't an issue for him!! Love my man :-)
  • Gollygee

    2023-03-14T18:50:33.040Z

    #5 Yep. UNITY. What is referred to as a 'last name' is really Family Name. One family - one name. Keeping the maiden name is keeping the father's family name, and his father's and on down the line.
  • Erik

    2014-05-03T19:36:32.559Z

    If she doesn't want to take my last name, I don't want to buy a diamond ring and propose, or wear a wedding band, especially since I hate jewelry. We each get to opt out of what we don't like. That's fair.
Commenting as
Add allwomenstalk.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Allwomenstalk app icon

Don't Miss the Latest Version

Get the latest stories, save favorites, and share with friends — all in one place.

New Earn badges & level up while you read

Create your profile. Earn badges. Level up your reading.

Join Allwomenstalk to track your streaks, collect badges, and earn XP for the things you already do—reading, sharing, and taking quizzes.

  • 🔥
    Daily streaks with gentle boosts for 3, 7, and 30 days.
  • 🏅
    Collect badges like Reader I–III, Socialite, and Quiz Ace.
  • ⚡️
    Earn XP for reads, deep reads, likes, comments, and shares.

It’s free. Takes 30 seconds. Already have an account? Sign in.

10,000+ badges earned last month

Level

3

Streak

7 🔥

XP420 / 700

Badges

🔥 On a Roll
📖 Reader I
📣 Socialite

Trending products

Other Cool Reads

Related Topics

buying local art is scouts good for my son ted ed why you should read i will light candles this christmas should i babysit reasons to do pilates indulge in food moving accross country festival sober benefits of the library
Featured article image