I was chatting with my friend, Missy, the other day about last names. And I mentioned how I don’t think I will be changing my last name when I marry. Missy’s traditional (but not at all judgmental) and brought up an interesting question–one I hadn’t necessarily thought about in the past. Am I ok with not having the same last name as my children?

I think I am ok with this…though, who’s to say that my children won’t also have my last name? It doesn’t matter to me one way or another if a woman keeps her last name, hyphenates, or takes her husband’s. It’s a personal choice and I don’t judge anyone for the choice they make! If I had a crappy last name, I would ABSOLUTELY take my hub’s instead of being Ms. CrappyLastName for the rest of my life. And I understand that some women like the tradition; some like that it unifies them as a family. All are valid points.

But let’s face it–my name kicks some serious ass. Katana. KATANA. KUH-TAH-NAH. Like the sword. Like the motorcycle. It’s like being Mr. Incredible…that’s right–I’m comparing myself to a Disney Superhero! Not to mention, that my name is my business.

Every now and then when I mention my future name plans to people, I get a weird, disapproving look. “Oh,” they sneer, “you must be one of those feminists. You think it’s for your “career” don’tchya?”

This is usually the point in the conversation when I put on my faux southern accent and say, “Wayell, shucks! Ah never thought of it much beefore…but Ah suppose Ah am a feminist, afterall! You know…fer not wantin’ to change my entire business structure based on a tradition that Ah personally don’t believe in all that much. Thanks fer enlightenin’ me.”

So, my question to readers out there–did you take your husband’s last name? Why or why not?