Lyubov and Juan‘s Jewish wedding | Photo by Fergie Medar Photography
If you’re a bride-to-be, chances are people have started asking you whether you’re planning to change your name once you’re married. Even today in 2023, when changing your name is very much a choice, this can be a fraught topic.
But the good news is, it is a choice. And you’ve got lots of options, far beyond just keeping your original name or changing over to your spouse’s. Personally, I opted to stick with “Cinnamon” professionally, but double barrel with my new surname legally and in my personal life.
Ella and Joel‘s Jewish wedding | Photo by Matt Parry
I sat down with NameSwitch, who I wish was around back when I got married, to go over the most popular choices and some of the things you might want to consider as you make your decision. NameSwitch are the only UK based company to offer such a unique name-changing service that makes it so much easier.
No one knows more about the ins and outs of changing your name in the UK than NameSwitch – and if you do decide to make a change, their streamlining service can save you hours of research and admin. NameSwitch’s extensive knowledge and liaison with government bodies ensures you get it right the first time, and their UK-based customer service team is always on hand to help. And as a Smashing The Glass reader, you’ve got access to a £5 discount off any NameSwitch package – just enter the code “SMASHING-FIVE” at checkout.
Amy and Andrew‘s Jewish wedding | Photo by Mike Staff Productions
9 of the Most Popular UK Name Change Options
These days, we’re lucky to have such a range of choices when it comes to changing your name (or not). I’ve put together a list of nine of the most popular choices, from double-barrelling to picking a totally new surname for the both of you.
- Keep your given name.
- Take your spouse’s name.
- Have your spouse take your name.
- Take your spouse’s name legally, but keep your given name professionally.
- Make your given surname your middle name and take your spouse’s last name.
- Take each other’s surname as your middle name.
- Double-barrelling your names.
- Blend your last names into a new hybrid name.
- Create a totally new last name.
Obviously, some of these options are more common, while others – like creating a totally new last name for the two of you – may raise a few eyebrows. But the most important thing is to make the choice that feels right to you and your partner – after all, this is the name you’ll proudly carry for the rest of your life!
