To Change or Not to Change Your Surname after Marriage?

What's in a name?

In the wise words of Juliet Capulet from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, "What's in a name? That which we call a rose, By any other name would smell as sweet."

Lately, we have found that a lot of people are asking the question “Should I change my surname after I get married?”

While it is likely that your mind will be pre-occupied with the finer details leading up to your big day, weddings are not all flowers, gowns, suits and champagne!  At some point when you begin your life as a married couple, you and your spouse will probably think and talk about whether or not one or both of you will change your surname.

Whether or not you make the change is completely up to you.  There are no rules or laws you have to consider in making this decision.   However, there are a few things you might like to turn your mind to when you are mulling it over. 

One factor of the surname-change debate that does come to mind (as an enthusiastic researcher of my own family history) is the impact surname changes have on the tracing back of a family tree.  Surnames undeniably make the process of creating your family tree a lot easier!

We have discussed a few more of the practical implications below.

Keeping your surname

In Australia, a bride changing her surname to match her husband’s has, in the past, been the more common and traditional option.  In a lot of cases, it was not a question of whether it would be done, but rather when it would be done.

However, nowadays, there are increasing numbers of women opting not to follow this tradition, instead keeping their own surname, for a variety of reasons.  It may be that the woman has a well-established career which a surname change might disrupt slightly, it may be the easier option, or it may just be preference for the maiden name itself.  Also, it is becoming increasingly common for a husband to change his surname to match his wife’s.

If you choose to keep your own surname, you do not have to do anything after you are married.  You simply carry on as you did before, and no application forms need to be lodged with the Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages.

With keeping your surname, you may also find that you have to explain the situation a little more when it comes to travel, hospital admissions and legal issues regarding your children.  It is amazing how much weight people place on names, without even realising they are doing it or being able to explain why.

The hyphenated name

Hyphenating both surnames is another common solution to the issue of a surname change. Both or one partner may choose to hyphenate their surname with their spouse’s. This is often the ideal solution for newlyweds who want the best of both worlds and where one person does not want to make a change without the other.

Although it elongates the surname, a hyphenated name may be the best solution for you. Once again however, it is completely up to you and your spouse!

Opting to take your spouse's surname

If you do decide to change your surname completely, there are certain government bodies you will have to notify, as well as any banks you have accounts with, or utility providers you use (such as an electricity provider).  Essentially, you should just ensure that your name is recorded consistently, so that your day-to-day dealings with banks, government bodies, utility providers etc run smoothly.

While it may be a little bit of a tedious process, you may prefer that process to having to deal with the implications which may come about if you choose not to change your surname to match your spouse’s.

While it may take some adjusting for some people, and in some cases may mean you have to have a difficult conversation with your partner, it is important to remember that the surname decision is ultimately yours to make.

If you are considering whether or not to change your name after you are married, you can read up on what is involved through this Queensland Government link.