Why do children get the father's surname?

131 replies

ElephantsAndMiasmas · 19/09/2010 00:11

Where two parents have different surnames, it still seems to be the norm that children are given the man's surname - why is this?

I'm not saying that they should get the mother's surname, but it seems odd that dadsurname is the "default", especially given that if the relationship breaks up, they're far more likely to end up with their mum.

Can anyone shed any light on this?

OP posts:

CommonSenseSuze · 19/09/2010 00:31

Elephants, I know! I never understand that either.

A friend even said that I probably should give the baby DP's name, so that he "knows" she's his. So, the fact that we've been together for years and years and I would never have sex with anyone else doesn't come into it then! Amazing.

Original poster

ElephantsAndMiasmas · 19/09/2010 00:24

I find it bewildering when women say that of course they wanted to keep their name (their choice) but changed it because they wanted to have the same name as their DC who have their father's name (via act of god presumably). Is it more controversial to give DC their mother's name, than for the mother to keep her own name?

OP posts:

CommonSenseSuze · 19/09/2010 00:23

DP is happy for our DD to have my name. I always asked myself the same question: why should she have his name?

DP's dad was disappointed and my ridiculous mother's convinced that we'll marry (we won't) and that we'll have take DP's name (we won't)!

Theincrediblesulk1 · 19/09/2010 00:21

I know kids mostly with the mums name.

My ones had dad and i got so sick of it,i changed my name and title by deed pole.

job done

LastOrdersAgain · 19/09/2010 00:15

Not sure why, but my DS had my surname, and did it cause a stink or what!

But then I wasn't with DSs dad so kind of made sense.

BitOfFun · 19/09/2010 00:13

Tradition? Which is rooted in inheritance and proof of paternity.

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