Wednesday, February 18, 2009

What's Your Name??

What's in a name? What's your name? Do you like your name?

When I was growing up, I hated my name. I thought it sounded old ladyish and there were never any other M's around. I don't really recall having an opinion about my last name. It's short and simple. No one misspells it and no one mispronounces it. So here is my big dilemma, what do I do with my name.

For the past 24 years, it has been my professional name. I've been at my job for 15 years and the community knows me by that name so there is some professional recognition associated with my name.

My name connects me with my family--there are only three of us left besides my parents. Both of my sisters changed their names so besides my parents, that leaves me and my brother and his only son. I like my last name. No I love my last name.

So what do I do? Do I change my name, keep it the same or hyphenate it? I tell Cowboy he's already had 3 Mrs. W and I'm not sure I want to be the 4Th. (His name is even more simple than mine). I'm leaning towards hyphenating it so no one doubts our connection ( not that it really matters to anyone but us). I don't think I can give up my name. I don't think I want to give up my name.

I have 39 days to decide.....oh, what to do.

6 comments:

Caroline said...

When I got married I was so excited to change my name. My married name was Herzog and I just loved the name and still do. When we were going through the divorce I told my parents that I just wanted to keep that last name and they were furious. I ended up changing my name back and wished I hadn't. When S and I do exchange rings and have our illegal wedding, I want both of us to have the same last name. To me, having the same last names shows that you are creating your own family now.

Anyway...I think you need to do what is best for you. I do like the idea of using both of your last names.

Lynilu said...

I regretted not having my maiden name, so I had it changed back after my hub died. I personally think no one should change their names. In many cultures they don't. I think it is really confusing to change names with marriage, especially when the divorce rate is over 50%! As you said, there may be lots of Mrs. W's running around out there!

It would be good to hyphenate your names. Another thought .... Many professionals continue using the name on the diploma and license, but use the married name privately. A real advantage to that is clients don't find you in the phone book, etc.

Anonymous said...

There are days, more often than not, that I wish I would have kept my name. If something happens, I really think I would go back to my maiden name even though I've had my married name longer.
Go with what works for you.
Kim

Anonymous said...

Does Cowboy want you to give up your name?

MJ said...

Cowboy is fine with me not changing my name and is also ok with hyphenating. So I'll either keep my name or hyphenate.

Monogram Queen said...

I use my maiden name as my middle name now. I vote for hypenating!