After saying “I do,” many couples consider changing their last names as the next step to symbolize their new family union. Traditionally, in heterosexual marriages, the bride would take her husband’s surname, but modern trends show more couples delaying this step, hyphenating names, or skipping the legal change entirely.

While not required, changing your last name has both benefits and drawbacks. Sharing a surname can create a sense of unity, but the process itself is often tedious, leading some to postpone it just to avoid paperwork. It can also be challenging for professionals known by their original surnames. A 2023 Pew Research study found that 80% of women in opposite-sex marriages in the U.S. changed their names after marriage. However, younger generations are shifting this trend—11% more women under 50 kept their surnames compared to older women, and only 33% of single women were certain they’d take their future spouse’s name.

Below, we explore how couples are deciding on post-marriage names and why more women are choosing to keep theirs.

### The History of Changing Names After Marriage
The tradition of a woman taking her husband’s surname dates back to medieval England, where women were viewed as property transferred from father to husband. Adopting the husband’s name symbolized joining his family. This custom persisted over centuries and spread to other cultures. Today, in more egalitarian societies, it’s often upheld as tradition rather than necessity.

While the U.S. doesn’t require a name change, some countries, like Japan, legally enforce it. Others, such as Italy, Spain, Greece, Belgium, and Korea, prohibit women from legally changing their surnames after marriage.

In the U.S., the feminist movement has influenced more women to keep their maiden names. The title “Ms.” emerged in the 1960s as women sought a professional alternative to “Mrs.” Many also retained their surnames for career reasons. Recently, hyphenating names has grown in popularity, and some men take their wife’s surname—like actress Zoe Saldaña’s husband. A few couples even create entirely new last names.

### Why Some Still Choose to Change Their Name
Despite shifting trends, taking a spouse’s surname remains common in the U.S. Many couples prefer a shared name as a symbol of unity and for consistency with future children’s last names. Speaking with married friends revealed emotional reasons behind the choice.

Floral designer Ahna Han shared, “I did it because I’m biracial, and the change helped me feel more connected.” Others cited strained family relationships or simply disliking their maiden name. Some admitted they legally kept their surname but used their spouse’s name socially, especially if their career or business was tied to their original name.

While the legal process has become easier with online services, many still find it cumbersome enough to avoid altogether. Ultimately, the decision is deeply personal—whether for tradition, identity, or practicality.Services like NewlyNamed and HitchSwitch can help simplify the name-change paperwork, but the process still takes time and requires gathering numerous documents.

Some people opt for a middle ground—adding their spouse’s name while keeping their original one. Brand strategist Victoria de la Fuente Ayers, for example, chose to append her husband’s name to hers. “It felt like a fair compromise,” she explains. “I married later in life and had already established my professional identity, so erasing my name didn’t feel right.” Meanwhile, recent Vogue bride Nicole Amarise and her husband decided to create an entirely new last name together. “We wanted a fresh start,” she says. “We used ChatGPT to generate surname options based on the etymology of our original names, blending our heritages and cultures.”

### Why Some Keep Their Names
For many, keeping their surname is about honoring family heritage and personal history. As Vogue contributor Angela Tafoya puts it, “I wanted to preserve my cultural identity through my name.” While she’s content with her choice, she admits, “It gets tricky with kids.” Another woman shared that she kept her maiden name because her parents had only daughters, and she wanted to carry on the family name.

Others reject the tradition due to its patriarchal roots—historically, taking a husband’s name symbolized women being treated as property. Many professionals also prioritize maintaining the name they’ve built their careers under. Wedding planner Tracy Taylor Ward, for instance, says, “I’ve used my name professionally since I was seven—it’s tied to my identity.” One woman who legally changed her name during marriage but later divorced said she wouldn’t do it again if she remarried. Her blunt reason? “It was a waste of time.”

### What Names Represent
A name carries deep personal and familial significance, so it’s understandable that some women feel a sense of loss when changing theirs. The feminist perspective—rejecting the tradition to challenge outdated gender norms—resonates with many. At the same time, some couples prefer unifying under a shared name to symbolize their new family. My wife and I, for example, plan to hyphenate our last names to honor both our pasts and our future together—once we finally tackle the paperwork.