Marrying last names
August 16th, 2006
Slate today tackles the “trend” among American newlyweds wherein a couple blends their two surnames to create an entirely new last name (i.e. Smith + Miles = Smiles, though I don’t think anyone has actually done that one). Apparently, the U.K.’s Observer newspaper breathlessly addressed the topic last month but only managed to find two examples of the supposedly fast-gaining trend. Writes Slate:
One, at least, is recent: New York Times correspondent Jodi Wilgoren got married last year to Gary Ruderman, an architect and playwright, and they changed their surnames to Rudoren. The only other case of “meshing” the articles mention is that of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who used to be Tony Villar before marrying Corina Raigosa … in 1988. Some trend!
The Slate story takes a more responsible and interesting route, uncovering numerous examples of blended last names over the years. While the practice may not be gaining momentum among American couples, an examination of news stories and wedding announcements shows that it is far more common than you might think. I like the idea in theory, since it forces both parties—as opposed to just the wife—to adjust to life with an entirely new name. With most last names, however, the results sound pretty silly or horribly awkward, though it’s fun to think up the various concoctions enabled by your friends’ unions.
August 17th, 2006 at 6:11 pm
I had some friends who did that and the results sounded like a real name (I can never remember it, though, and I didn’t know them before they were married.) Tuck and I considered it, but since both of our last names end in -er we couldn’t really get anything. I’m still trying to figure out what I should do. Right now I have my old name, but it’s beginning to feel strange every time I write it, like I’m not ackowledging the change. It’s a difficult decision for a modern yet traditional girl to make.
August 18th, 2006 at 12:34 am
‘Beachart’ heh heh