What’s In A Name?
Lachlan has an entry about last names – specifically, taking another person’s last name upon marriage. Her (possible) solution mirrors what I said a few years ago (and last spring). Great minds, Lach, great minds.
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Oh my Mona Lisa …
In one of your past entries, you quoted a man who said he was the last male in the family and it was important to have his name carried on. I think it’s important, in some cultures, children take the mother’s name and in others children take the father’s name. If you’re living a marriage, you should let your child take the husband’s name. The child is not a bastard and was born to a married couple or even if they’re un-married at the time.My dad’s family basically has no males to carry on the name Howard, his brother died and he didn’t have any sons and with my second brother, died when he was nine months. So techincally, only the female in my dad’s line of family carries on the name Howard. I feel as though it’s important to let the name continue down the line, I doubt I will drop it forever when I get married but I will take my husband’s name.
I’m the type of female who thinks some rights that were given to us, such as the last name idea are just out there and should be taken away. The Feminist Leader ended up being married, I can’t remember if she took her husband’s name or not.
But you don’t have to take your husband’s name socially - entertainers take their own last name in the biz all the time.
Even Rosie O’Donnell’s “wife” took her name, I can’t answer for that but that just shows that some people choose one person has the head of the family.
But a guy giving up his name? Psaahabbtt …. I hear someone rolling over in their grave.
Comment by Jen — December 14, 2004 @ 10:46 pm
Great minds indeed, David.
Jen, I can’t possibly see why the choice for a woman to take her spouse’s name should be “taken away". Without getting into all the historical precendents about why women have traditionally taken a last name, I think it’s hard to take old reasons and apply them to new seasons, as it were.
Everyone ought to have the choice, male or female about their name. Identity is a very, very personal thing, and I can’t imagine even considering turning the tide of thought away from that.
Comment by Lachlan — December 14, 2004 @ 11:48 pm
Wow. Pro. Found.
Comment by Robert Ferrau — December 15, 2004 @ 11:32 am
What I’ve always wanted to do is exchange names as well as rings; my husband becomes (let us say) Michael Tepper, and I become David Smith. What do you think?
Comment by Dave — December 16, 2004 @ 5:25 pm