Why these men changed their name after marriage

Name-changing service NameSwitch questioned five recently married couples about their attitudes and experiences towards changing their name, with surprising results

NameSwitch reports that more men are changing their name after marriage. 

Men are now showing more preference towards adopting their partner's name, creating a combination of both, or opting for an entirely new surname that holds a significant meaning. 

The findings follow a series of interviews with five couples (three heterosexual and two gay couples) who offered their honest opinions on changing their own names. 

For Paul and Richard Burbidge-Grant, and Ross and Darren Searl-Poole, preserving their collective family heritage was a key factor in wanting a surname that honoured both partners and signified their “union and commitment” as a couple. Wayne Potts-Brennan was particularly close to his maternal grandfather and not so strongly attached to his own name, so, therefore, very open to adopting a different name. 

In the case of William Lawrence-Archer, William decided to drop his family surname of Jones entirely (with his family’s blessing) and instead, adopt his wife’s surname to solidify their own family name. 

Andy Smith and his now-wife, Lisa Trisconi, mutually agreed that sticking with 'Smith' was neither ideal for Andy (who regularly received work emails meant for the six other Andy Smiths in his company) nor Lisa (who felt that becoming a Smith after being a Trisconi for so many years would feel “a bit of a letdown”). Hence, the two decided to become the Trisconi-Smiths, and now have a daughter who shares their new surname.

For more insight into the research, visit the NameSwitch blog where you can also find out about the NameSwith service.