How to Change Your Last Name - Changing Your Surname

How to Change Your Last Name - Changing Your Surname

Many situations apply when it comes to a last name or surname change. One of the most popular reasons is marriage. A woman becomes married and has the option of taking her husband's last name. While this tradition is decreasing in popularity, some cultures firmly believe a woman should take her husband's surname.

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There are dozens of other reasons someone opts to change their last name. Learn the most popular reasons here.

Problematic Names

Imagine being given a name that evokes laughter from others. Many families opt to alter a last name to avoid embarrassment. Examples of embarrassing last names include Hogg, Schitz, Bumgardener or Pharter.

Another aspect of a last name name change is to make it simpler to spell. If your name was Hrvatski, you might be tempted to add a vowel or two to make pronunciation easier.

Same-Sex Partnerships

While some states off gay or lesbian marriages, others do not. Even in states where gay marriages are legal, the name change process does not work the same as in a man-woman marriage. State laws may give a same-sex couple permission to marry, but on a federal level the laws do not apply. Therefore changing a name on a passport might not be as clear cut. Despite this, a same-sex couple living together wants to share the same last name. A legal surname change entitles people to do this.

Mistakes on Immigration Paperwork

When someone is entering a country as a refugee or legal immigrant, they should carefully check paperwork to make sure their name is correct. However, language differences can make this difficult. If a last name is written incorrectly and the mistake is not caught in time, a name other than their birth surname may go down on official paperwork. A last name name change may be required to make sure the name is correct. Of course, if the immigrant is happy with the new last name, this step is often bypassed.

Family Feuds and Immoral Relatives

There are many reasons families have fall outs. In situations where there is no compromise, one family member might opt to start a new life across the country. One part of starting over is creating a new name. This is a common reason for a surname change.

It's also common for someone who comes from a shady family to disassociate from the family by changing a last name. Imagine finding out your brother is a serial killer. You share the same uncommon last name and refuse to be associated as his blood relative. This is where a surname change is handy.

Name Change for Status

Some people change their surname so that they sound more affluent. While it seems unfair, studies show that executives are more likely to pick up the resume of someone with an affluent name over someone with a boring one.

Simple Name Dissatisfaction

Finally, there are simply some people who feel their name is too dull. They opt for a surname change to liven up their identity and feel more comfortable with themselves.

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