Why You Should Keep Your Last Name: Breaking Down the Patriarchal Norms

Growing up, we were fed a realistic fairytale- that someday, our Prince Charming would sweep us off our feet, we would get married and live happily ever after. And in this fairytale, one of the key moments was changing my last name to reflect my husband’s. But as time has gone by, I have realized that this was not a personal choice at all. Society has been conditioned to see the bride taking her husband’s last name as the norm. However, in recent times, women are beginning to break free of patriarchal norms, and one of the ways is by choosing to keep their last names even after marriage. This article delves into the reasons why you should keep your last name and break free from the societal expectations.

Why you should keep your last name?

Maintaining a strong professional identity

Deciding whether or not to change your last name after marriage is a deeply personal choice that ultimately comes down to what feels right for you. However, if you have already established a strong professional identity and reputation, keeping your last name can help you maintain the continuity of your career. Your credentials, accolades, and portfolio are all associated with your name, which means that changing it could create complications. You may need to update various documents like your business cards, website, LinkedIn profile, and even your email address.

Additionally, many people already have a Google presence developed under their name, and changing it could make it harder for clients or potential employers to find you. Your name is a crucial part of your brand and identity in the professional world, so it’s worth considering whether changing it is worth the effort.

Consistency in business and branding

When you keep your last name after marriage, you preserve the consistency of your professional identity and branding. Consistency helps improve recall and recognition, which is vital for building a strong personal brand. A consistent brand is more memorable, trustworthy and ultimately easier to sell.

You have already spent a lot of time and resources building your brand, so changing your name could create confusion for clients and customers who recognize you by your current name. Maintaining consistency in who you are and your work is essential if you want to keep your clients and build up a loyal following.

Preserving your established reputation

When you keep your last name, you are also preserving your established reputation. You may have spent years building up credibility in your field, and your clients, colleagues, and other industry professionals know you by your name. Changing your name could result in people thinking that your previously established achievements no longer apply.

Your past accomplishments, testimonials, referrals, and endorsements will all bear your current name, so why risk losing all the effort and goodwill attached to your current name? Remember, your reputation is one of your greatest assets when it comes to any professional endeavours.

Avoiding confusion in clients and colleagues

If you change your last name after marriage, you run the risk of creating confusion in your professional network. Your colleagues, clients, and peers may struggle to remember what your new name is or even fail to recognize you altogether.

The confusion caused by a name change could lead to missed opportunities, lost business, and a decline in your professional relationships. By keeping your name, you can avoid this kind of confusion and continue to build strong and lasting connections with your peers and clients.

Building on the success of your current name

Your current name already carries a great deal of value in your industry. By keeping your name, you can leverage this value to build upon your current success, maintain your current standings and build a brand that is consistent in the minds of your customers.

This way, you can capitalize on the recognition and reputation you have already built up and continue to grow your business and brand under the same name. You may even uncover new opportunities as a result of maintaining the continuity of your brand.

Simplifying the transition process

Keeping your last name can make the transition from being single to being married much easier. Changing your name in all the necessary places can be an extremely lengthy and time-consuming process, not to mention quite expensive. You will need to update your official documents, passports, driver’s license, and so on.

Keeping your last name could help you avoid all these hassles and allow you to focus on more important things, such as your relationship, your business, and your life.

Holding onto a significant part of your personal history

Your name is a crucial part of who you are, and changing your last name after marriage could feel like a significant loss. By keeping your last name, you are holding onto a meaningful part of your personal history and family identity.

Your name is more than just a label, and it carries with it a unique and special meaning. By preserving this part of your identity, you can continue to celebrate your heritage, ancestors, and legacy.

In conclusion, while changing your last name after marriage may seem like a traditional step, it is not mandatory, nor should it be something you compromise without careful consideration. Maintaining your last name is one way to preserve your business identity, preserve your accomplishments, and preserve your professional consistency, all while simplifying the transition process and celebrating your unique history.