Ways to Compromise on Name Change

• Hyphenate your last name with your husband's.  He can keep his name the same or add yours too.  You can also choose whose name should be first in the hyphenation.
• You can keep your maiden name as your middle name.  This option allows you to change your last name, but still keep your maiden name as part of your title.
• Adding your maiden name as a second middle name is also a possibility.  If you have a long middle and maiden name, consider that this option may make your name quite a mouthful.
• Using your maiden name as your child's first or middle name to preserve family history is also a popular choice.  If your name was Sophia Carlin you could name your child Henry Carlin Green or Carlin Henry Green.
• Your husband could take your last name.  While this is not the most common choice it is a great way for a man to support his wife and potentially escape a terrible last name of his own.
• Change your name legally and use it socially, but use your maiden name professionally.  You can be Mrs. Green at school and church, but still be addressed as Ms. Smith at work.