Can I keep my maiden name after marriage UK?
James Craig
Published Jan 16, 2026
Traditionally in the UK, women take the husband's surname, but they may also choose to keep their maiden name as a middle name, continue using their maiden name, change to a double barrelled version of both spouses' surnames, or create a new surname to reflect their union.
Can I keep my maiden name professionally UK?
It's perfectly legal to keep your former name at work, but still change your name on all accounts and identification. Many women who have built up a good network and reputation within an industry often decide to retain their former name at work.
Can I just start using my maiden name again UK?
Legally you can still be known by your prior name at any time. If you want to revert to your maiden name you should only need to show your marriage and birth certificates which link your current and former names. If your divorce is finalised it's often easier to show your decree absolute and birth certificate.
Can you still use your maiden name when married?
You're legally allowed to keep your maiden (or current) name for work or professional reasons, and use your new married name socially or for family-related purposes.
Do I legally have to change my name after marriage UK?
There is no legal requirement for you to change your maiden name (your surname before marriage) upon marriage. This option is becoming increasingly popular as more women are establishing reputations at work with their maiden names, and want to keep them to avoid confusion.
44 related questions foundDo I need to inform HMRC when I get married?
As well as informing HMRC of any name, address or income changes, you also need to inform them of any changes to your relationship or family circumstances. So, if you get married or enter into a civil partnership, or if you divorce, separate or stop living with your husband, wife or partner, HMRC Need to know.
Do I need to change my passport after marriage?
You can get a new passport in your new name either before or after the ceremony. The name on your passport must match the one you use when you book your travel.
Can I keep my maiden name professionally?
A woman can continue to use her maiden name both professionally and personally or use her maiden name for work and her married name for social situations. She can use her husband's last name and drop her maiden name entirely or use it as a middle name.
Is it OK to keep your maiden name?
Whether a woman keeps her name or uses her partner's after marriage is a matter of personal preference, and today there are no legal issues with doing either.
Can I double barrel my name after marriage UK?
Upon marriage, while it is traditional for the woman to take the man's surname, it is also perfectly acceptable for the woman to keep her maiden name or the couple to create their own 'double-barrelled' or hyphenated surname by using both of their original surnames.
Can I revert back to my maiden name before divorce?
Separated women (who took their husband's surname upon marriage) often believe they have to wait until their divorce is finalised before they can revert to their maiden name. This is incorrect. A separated woman has the right to change her surname at any time.
Can I use passport with maiden name UK?
Can you use a passport with your maiden name? Yes, you can keep using your passport with the previous name on it. Although there is no obligation, the officials recommend updating the travel document, so it reflects your current name.
Can you use your passport with your maiden name?
Your passport and social security name do not need to match. An airline or TSA will never ask for your social security card. You may continue to travel internationally under your maiden or previous married name. Airline & resort reservations for international travel need to be in your passport name.
How do I legally change my name after marriage?
How to Change Your Name in 10 Steps
- Get Your Marriage License and Certified Copies. ...
- Update Your Social Security Card. ...
- Get a New Driver's License. ...
- Get a New Passport and Travel Documents. ...
- Change the Name on Your Bank Accounts. ...
- Change the Name on Your Credit Cards. ...
- Provide Your New Name and Banking Information to Your Employer.
How do I keep my professional name after marriage?
To do so, fill out Form SS-5 and mail it or bring it to any Social Security office, along with certified copies of your ID and marriage certificate. If your wedding was more than two years ago, you may need to provide additional documents. The agency will return everything you give them.
What do you call a married woman who keeps her maiden name?
If you're keeping your maiden name, you have options: You can go by "Ms." or use "Mrs." as in "Mr. Wong and Mrs. Woodbury." You can also go by "Ms." if you'd prefer your title not to be associated with your marital status.
Can you keep your middle and last name when you get married?
Marriage Certificate Name Change
And, you and your husband/wife can move your own family name to your middle name. There are other variations of these types of middle and last name changes allowed in California civil marriages, if done correctly.
Why would a woman keep her maiden name?
The New York Times describes some modern women's reasons for keeping their birth-given last names as "practical, not political," but also acknowledges that "from the time that the equal rights activist Lucy Stone became famous for keeping her name when she married in 1855, maiden names have been politically charged." ...
Do I need to change my surname after marriage?
Even though it's a common social custom, Indian law does not make it mandatory; it's always a woman's choice to keep her maiden name or consider a name change after marriage. But if you decide to change your name, in order to get it validated, the changed name must be documented in all the official records thereafter.
Do you have to change your name on your passport when you get married UK?
It is not required by law that you update your name in your passport after changing your name. But if you want to travel under your new name, then you should update your name in your passport.
Can I travel on my old passport after getting married UK?
HM Passport Office will cancel your old passport, and postdate your new passport in your new name, making it valid from the date of your ceremony. This means you can't use it until the ceremony has taken place. Your current passport will be cancelled, and you will no longer be able to use it for travel.
Can I go on honeymoon with passport in maiden name UK?
You'll need to travel in the name that will be on your passport when you go on holiday. This will usually be your maiden name.
Do you pay less tax if married UK?
Marriage Allowance lets you transfer £1,260 of your Personal Allowance to your husband, wife or civil partner. This reduces their tax by up to £252 in the tax year (6 April to 5 April the next year).
Does your tax code change when you get married UK?
The tax code of the partner receiving the Marriage Allowance will usually change to 'M'. This shows they're getting Marriage Allowance from their partner. If the partner who transferred their Personal Allowance is employed, their tax code will change to 'N'. This shows they've elected to use the Marriage Allowance.
What tax breaks do married couples get?
Couples filing jointly receive a $24,800 deduction in 2020, while heads of household receive $18,650. The combination of these two factors yields a marriage bonus of $7,399, or 3.7 percent of their adjusted gross income.