CHANGE OF NAME


It is an enshrined principle of English law that we can change our names by usage and repute. There is also no binding rule that women must take their husband’s names on marriage. Most do, but personally I rejected the title Mrs Outdoor Man.

Not surprisingly many women also revert to their maiden names after divorce and whilst some make deeds to verify the change, theoretically this is not necessary.

We recently reached a milestone in our house when Little Girl (not yet 12) measured in taller than me. I confess to being somewhat peeved by this, it having taken the greater part of half a century to acquire at full stretch my total height of 5 feet and 2 inches (1.57 metres) and she being barely out of nappies! Hence and despite her repeated requests for a name change, I am resisting and wearing high heels indoors instead.

Comments

Anonymous said…
When I married I was working as a PR Account Executive in an advertising agency and had no desire to try and get the local journalist used to a new name. I was also very fond of my own name and didn't want to change it. At work one of the directors asked me "What's your name now?", so I told him. "No" he said "What's your real name?"
I have since been widowed, got a new partner, and had children who have his surname. At nursery, school, surgeries etc with them I am always called Mrs his surname.
Sometimes I think of marrying him because I'm sick of correcting people. And they are almost always women.
Ann Marie said…
I agree with your ideaology, and I think it also has to do with the evolution of people and time. It is no longer something that is plainly done anymore, I'm sure the change of name years ago wasn't even discussed it was a fact, or "how tings were done." Now women have the choice to take his name, hyphenate, or not take it at all. It shows how we as people evolve to the changing of times. I work for www.firstwivesworld.com, it is an online community for women navigating through the various stages of divorce. We had a video segment on our site with a group of 30-something women in the various stages of divorce, and remarriage discussing the change of name issue. It was very interesting to watch and see their various points of view. Check it out
http://www.firstwivesworld.com/community/the-d-word/the-d-word/the-d-word-changing-names

Just my two cents
Ann Marie

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