Can you keep your middle and last name when you get married?
Noah Mitchell
Published Jan 13, 2026
Upon marriage it is traditional for a woman to take her husband's surname and abandon the use of her maiden name. To do this, a Deed Poll is not required. However, some women prefer to continue using their maiden name as a middle name.
Can I double barrel my name after marriage?
These days, though, taking two surnames is no longer a class signifier. Instead, many couples now choose to double-barrel their surnames after marriage when the woman doesn't fancy forgoing her name entirely but wants to nod to her new marital status, or when the man wants to take his wife's name, too.
Can you keep your last name and your husbands?
You can also keep your middle name or drop it – it's up to you. Note, each state has different laws about what is considered a marriage name change. You may need to go through a court-ordered name change to change your middle name. Hyphenate your name with your spouse's.
Can I use my maiden name and married name?
You are able to use two names if you want
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. Even if you've changed your name by deed poll you're perfectly entitled to use a different one at work.
Does a woman's maiden name become her middle name?
It's long been tradition for the bride to take her husband's last name, and traditionally, she drops her middle name and keeps her last (her "maiden" name) as her middle name. Her husband's last name then becomes her new last name.
43 related questions foundCan you legally have two last names?
A hyphenated last name is when you and your spouse combine both of your last names with a hyphen. This is also called a double surname. In many states, when you fill out your application for your marriage license, you'll be writing your intended married name on that application.
Can you add a second middle name when you get married?
Marriage Certificate Name Change
In California, government issued Marriage Licenses will allow either husband or wife to change their middle or last names in certain ways only. (see Name Equality Act of 2007) Generally, you can legally take your spouse's last name or a combination of your last name and your partner's.
Does your name change automatically when you get married?
Your marriage certificate is a record of your marriage, not your new name or your title. Just because you marry doesn't mean that you automatically take a husband's name or that you are now a 'Mrs'. You have the right to choose the name you want.
Can you use your middle name as your last name?
It is perfectly legal to use your middle name or even variations of your name, as long as you are not attempting to defraud anyone. However, in some situations, you will be required to use your real name, such as for licensing purposes, or it...
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.
Do you have to change your name on your passport when you get married?
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.
Is a marriage certificate proof of name change?
Provided your marriage certificate records both your maiden name and your partner's surname, the marriage certificate is sufficient evidence of your change of name.
What name goes first when Hyphenating?
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.
Are middle names legal?
Given name and Family name
Since a person's middle name(s) or suffix is not considered part of the legal name by SSA, a middle name shown as part of the given name or a suffix shown as part of the family name can be omitted or entered in the middle name and suffix fields of the Enumeration system.
How do I go about changing my last 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.
Can a social security card have two middle names?
Neither the first or last names shown on the SSN card should be reduced in length, unless it exceeds the 26-character limit. Therefore, omit middle names, middle initials, and suffixes if they prevent you from showing as many characters as possible for the first and last names.
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.
Do I have to tell HMRC when I get married?
You'll need to tell HMRC if you: get married or form a civil partnership. start getting a second income. become – or stop being – self-employed.
Can you give yourself two middle names?
Nope, never a problem. The worst that usually happens is some places will combine them into one long single name in their paperwork (First Middlemiddle Last). Both are on my license, social security card, birth certificate, diploma, degree, etc.
Do I need ID on my wedding day?
You are not required to bring any documents or ID. The registrar will be happy to answer any queries you may have regarding the ceremony.
Why should I take my husband's last name?
For some, taking their husband's last name simply serves to solidify the commitment. It's a gesture that leaves no room for doubt—changing their surname after marriage shows they're all in. For others, taking their husbands' surname is more about the status of the family unit—when there is a family unit to speak of.
How do you pick a last name?
How To Choose a Cool Last Name
- Consider the meaning. ...
- See how it sounds with the first name. ...
- Count how many syllables it is. ...
- Ask yourself what “feeling” the last name creates and if it matches with your character's persona. ...
- Consider its uniqueness.
Does a marriage certificate show your married name?
A marriage certificate simply records the names of the couple that are getting married. It does not show what surname you will be using following your marriage.
Should I take my fiance's last name?
It's a pretty normal thing to consider when getting married, and most couples have some sort of discussion about what they'll do. Luckily, the woman having to change her name is no longer the norm, and for most women who change their names after marriage now (myself included), it's a choice.
Can I still use my passport with my maiden name?
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.