Name change- assess the risks early

Published on Wednesday, Jul 23, 2008

Time was when changing your name post-marriage was the done thing. Any woman who got married automatically took on her husband’s last name and changed her title – no two ways about it.

“What’s in a name”, argued Shakespeare. But, it’s a fact that changing one’s name midway in an established career can throw up numerous difficulties. It affects your professional life as you may have built a reputation un der your existing name and now has to start all over again. Not to mention the fact that changing your name abruptly can cause confusion when it comes to previous work experience, references, diplomas and resumes.

Then again, taking on and responding to a new name is not as easy as it seems. There is the underlying issue of loss of self as your name spells your identity – it’s all about who you are!

What to do?

Modernisation and globalisation is throwing up new trends, as it is no longer deemed ‘necessary’ to take your husband’s name. You can choose to keep your own name, combine both the names and so on.

Yet, even as a bride-to-be goes about planning her wedding, she is caught in the inevitable dilemma of whether or not to change her name. So, here’s a look at the various alternatives when it comes to dealing with the issue of name change.

Taking your husband’s surname - As regressive as it may sound, you can go the traditional route and take on your husband’s last name as long as you are comfortable with it. This is especially not a problem if you either work in a small office where everyone knows you are getting married, or you are just finding your feet in your fledgling career and are not very well-known outside the organisation. In either case, it is advisable to inform your colleagues and business contacts about the change beforehand through a memo or email.

Keeping your own name – Feminism, equality and independence issues apart, it often seems prudent to retain your maiden name. While this contemporary option is not always socially acceptable, it does eliminate a lot of hassles, especially on the work front. Alternatively, some women keep their own name only professionally and prefer to use the married name in other social settings.

Adding the husband’s name – A novel option is doing the rounds where you can tag on your husband’s last name, while your own birth name becomes the middle name. Or, a combination of both the names with or without a hyphen makes a good compromise. Not only is the identity safe and clear to everyone, but also provides a ‘best of both worlds’ balance.

Whatever new name you choose to assume, it is best to notify your company, co-workers and clients of the same. Not only will you have to change your email address, business cards and work-related information, but also get your identification papers, driving license, bank accounts and credit cards amended as well. You also have to learn to accept the new last name, as only when you start using it consistently will others catch on.

All said and done, give careful thought and consideration to what name feels best to you; it will save both grief and trouble later. It’s a personal decision – you have to be happy with your choice to be able to live with it!

PAYAL CHANANIA