The Name Game

Ahhh, to be married with your spouse's last name...isn't this what a girl dreams of, to be Mrs. ______? Turns out, some brides take the road less traveled by keeping their name, hyphenating their name, or in some cases creating a combined name of sorts. I, being a traditionalist in this area, am very adamant about taking my FH's name. I believe that it is a sign of respect and unity, plus, I am trying to run away from my maternal grandmother and great grandmother's act of keeping their maiden names––to me this just causes a lot of confusion for the lineage.

The major thing that stinks about taking on the guy's name is having to change your name on EVERYTHING and EVERYWHERE. Ugg! Plus you probably run into at least one person during your lifetime who still remembers you as Miss ______.  With the added convenience of Facebook, this allows you to put both names so it is not so confusing for the people looking for you.

Another thing that stinks is if you go from the beginning of the alphabet to the end like I will be in the next few months. Bummer. I always liked being close to first.

I think that when I change my name I am going to combine my maiden name along with my mothers would-be maiden name (her father's last name she would have had if her mother took the name), as part of my middle name. I got the idea from FH's name––his middle name is actually his mother's maiden name, which I like a lot. From what I can remember, a friend from Mexico said that using both the mother and father's last name as a part of the children's name is standard. I really like this idea because it carries on the family name and gives it history.  Too often a change in name is seen as a loss of identity––I want my change in name to reflect my identity.

I am actually really excited to have his name––I feel like I will be more of a part of him. I get dreamy-eyed just thinking about it. I see giving up my name as part of the many sacrifices that come with uniting two lives. I feel so honored to earn the right to carry his name and have our future family carry his name. I know it will be quite difficult adjusting to, and even writing, but I am definitely up for the challenge!