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Baby names

Can I choose my baby's surname?

8 replies

Cornberry · 03/02/2015 13:15

My OH and I are not married and if we get married I won't take his name as a matter of principle. I know it's the usual thing to give the baby the dad's surname but I've never understood this. My parents weren't married and I have my mother's name. I admit I am a little sad not to have both my parents' names represented in my own but I am not keen to double barrel for my baby. My OH and I both have historic/meaningful names and I don't want either of us to have to give it up. What do people think about creating a surname which incorporates both? We joked about it at first but now it's seeming like a possibility. He has a Scottish name so we would keep the Mac and then add mine on as it's two syllables and it makes quite a convincing "real" name IYSWIM. I'd like to hear people's thoughts on this. Has anyone else done something similar?

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5madthings · 03/02/2015 13:19

The madthings are double barreled, they go well together.

I think your idea sounds fine. If you like it o for it :)

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CuriousOranj · 03/02/2015 13:19

I know a couple who made a new surname when they got married. I think it's a lovely idea.

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Choccyhobnob · 03/02/2015 13:22

When Dawn Porter married Chris O'Dowd she changed her name to Dawn O'Porter and it was announced in the paper today that their new baby's surname is also O'Porter so perfectly reasonable to make one up!

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LeonardWentToTheOffice · 03/02/2015 13:25

Would that be a little like Dawn O'Porter? You could always use one of the surnames as a middle name? That way it's still there - makes it easier for passports etc if parents have different surnames to have that name still there - and easier to revert to in the future if required.

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LeonardWentToTheOffice · 03/02/2015 13:26

Ooh x post!

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Cornberry · 03/02/2015 13:39

That was one of my concerns.. Is it problematic for neither parent to share a surname with the child?

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juliascurr · 03/02/2015 13:52
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Cornberry · 04/02/2015 13:19

Oh dear, a whole other set of things to worry about! Thanks for the link. All useful to know!

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