Yes, men do take their wives' last names, but it's still relatively uncommon compared to women taking their husband's name, though it's becoming more visible as gender norms shift. While most men keep their own name, a small but growing number choose their wife's surname for reasons like creating a single family name, challenging tradition, or personal preference, though they may encounter more bureaucratic confusion than women do.
Only the following 17 states allow a man to use a marriage certificate to take his wife's last name without an additional court order: California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon.
The men adopting their wife's last name are generally doing it to buck the cultural norm, though it could also be because she has the name recognition and he wants to be known as the same last name as her to get the name recognition.
Newsflash | ConCourt rules husbands can take their wives' surnames. In a resounding win for gender equality, the ConCourt has unanimously declared that certain provisions of the Births and Deaths Registration Act ('the Act') are unconstitutional for failing to allow men to assume their wives' surnames after marriage.
The data backs this up: The same Pew survey reported that 92% of men who married women kept their name, while only 5% took their wife's name. Walters said many consider the idea of a man taking a wife's name is “emasculating,” which shows how gender-based this tradition really is.
According to a Pew Research Center survey published in September 2023, nearly 4 out of every 5 women in heterosexual marriages in the United States changed their last names to those of their husbands. On the other hand, 92% of all men in these marriages kept their last names.
#3 - Both double barrel to have eachothers
Similar to #2, but your husband to be can also take your name so you end up having the same surname, and have taken eachothers which is actually a really loving and binding thing to do.
There isn't one single "rarest last name" globally, as rarity changes by region, but some names are incredibly scarce, with examples including Pober, Mirren, Febland in England, Gambello (around 60 globally), and unique historical names like Marsvin (Danish noble, extinct male line) or names that have nearly vanished like Twelvetrees or Birdwhistle. Rarity often comes from geographic origins, recent migration, or names dying out, with some existing with only a handful of people.
Not at all! A hyphenated last name etiquette is about personal choice and respect for both partners. It's a modern way to honor both families and create a shared identity.
The truth is the same options are available to same sex couples as to heterosexual couples when getting married. Whether you decide to keep your own names, both change or have just one of you change your name, there is no right or wrong, just what is right for you.
Mrs. is the proper title for a woman who was or is married, whether she has taken her spouse's last name or not. If you know the woman is married, Mrs. is the way to go.
Women traditionally took their husband's last name because of coverture, a legal concept erasing their identity. Despite historical origins, about 80% of women today still choose to take their husband's last name.
You will face judgement from others. Although it's getting more popular, keeping your maiden name is still not the 'done thing'. Older generations in particular may consider this move unusual, or even disrespectful to your husband. You'll constantly have to remind people that you're married.
Generally, there are no set rules or etiquette when it comes to deciding exactly how your hyphenated last name will read. You can go the "traditional" route and list your maiden name first, or you could choose to list your new last name first, followed by your original last name.
When a wife takes her husband's name, she displays submission to him, which is in accord with God's will. Notice: “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord” (Eph. 5:22; also read Colossians 3:18).
For men, your maiden name is your birth surname too, although the term "maiden" traditionally applies to women. Many people choose to adopt a new last name after getting married.
Hyphenating your last name lets you keep your birth name while adding your partner's, maintaining your identity. Pay attention to alphabetical ordering for hyphenated names; the first name determines where it fits. Be ready to update your name on all legal documents after marriage to avoid future issues.
Before Prince William and Prince Harry got married to Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle, respectively, the brothers used a surname that honored their father King Charles III's former royal title. The royal family has a history of adopting different surnames.
Can you legally have two last names without a hyphen? Pretty self-explanatory as it's similar to hyphenating but without the hyphen. This method will allow you to go by either last name interchangeably. You'll still need to sign all paperwork with both last names since it's considered your legal last name.
"The oldest surname in the world is KATZ (the initials of the two words - Kohen Tsedek). Every Katz is a priest, descending in an unbroken line from Aaron the brother of Moses, 1300 B.C."
The wealthiest dynasties in the world have never been richer — and the Waltons lead the pack with a net worth of $513.4 billion.
Research Extinct Surnames
Couples who wanted to share a woman's surname often gave up, knowing that Home Affairs would reject the request. That barrier has fallen. The Constitutional Court has ruled that men now have the same right to take their wife's surname as women do to take their husband's.
Con: It's not free
It needs to get notarized. If your name change is the result of a divorce or a marriage, you may need additional documentation. It's not prohibitively expensive — court fees may be a few hundred dollars — but it does cost money. This is only something you want to do if you're serious about it.
The vast majority of women continue to take their husband's surname when they get married: 79 percent, according to a recent Pew Research survey. And an even larger majority of men don't change their names at all. The same survey found that just 5 percent of men take their wife's last name and 1 percent hyphenate.