Name Changes for Wives Across the World

by Lyn Newton | More from this Blogger

05 Oct 2007 04:22 AM

In the past couple of articles, I have addressed newly wedded wives and name changes. I never knew so many options existed. In my research I found a very interesting piece of information about name changes across the world. I just had to share with you!

America (English speaking countries) It is tradition in English speaking countries for the woman to take on the man's name. There are several variations of how the woman does this. She may use her maiden name as a middle name or use her last name along with his and a hyphen. As a child, the girl is given her father's name and then she changes it once she is married.

The Netherlands Here, women legally keep the name they were given at birth. However, for other purposes they may use their husband's name or a combination of both.

Belgium Women use their birth name for most all purposes.

France The woman keeps the name given at birth. She is allowed to use her husband's name but it is usually seen written in terms of saying, "the spouse of..."

Germany The woman may take the man's name or the man may take the woman's name or they can use both. However, one name has to be labeled as the family name to be given to the children. Until 2005, a combined name could not be given to the children.

Spanish Speaking World Most persons have two surnames. Children are given their mother's name and their father's name. In some countries the woman simply adds the man's name on to the surnames after the prepositions "de". The woman may also use a hyphen.

China Women keep their surnames.

Korea The woman does not change her name. It is said that name change cannot identify the marriage. The women are also usually not addressed as "Mrs...."

Changing Your Name

Changing Your Child's Name

Changing Behaviors

Learn more about Lyn Newton

Lyn is a kindergarten teacher and mommy to a girl and a boy. In her spare time, she enjoys informative and creative writing.

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