Waterman, Smallwater or Smallhouse?

[CJKnox]

My surname is Waterhouse; DP's is Smallman... We are getting married soon. We're also expecting! Which new surname would you use? I think Smallwater sounds the best?

And if she were to take her husband's name it wound the her name anymore. And if her were to take hers it wouldn't be his anymore... so, in either case on would change their name. This clearly shows that it's quite normal to get a name change...

They simply want to decide what name they have and not let it be decided by circumstance... My family goes back to the 15th century and I didn't mind taking my wife's name. It's just the name some great-great-great.... grandfather happened to have.

I love the idea and am completely baffled by those who are struggling. Surnames are surreal to all made up a good some point - out father's occupation and such like so all this is is sticking with the tradition of creating a surname which suits the family.

I know a couple who invented a completely new surname. It was beautiful and many showed themselves up by tittering at 'him' taking a new name

I'm not upset we are. I'll sleep fine tonight.

I just don't see why you'd make a name up when you both come from two families. Why not just take a family name?

I agree it's a nice idea. Nice sentiment. But I don't see the point.

Surely being a family is bringing the two families together without changing the surname

I disagree. Being a family is two people living together as a family. Nothing to do with names

The point at this point is that it doesn't matter if you see the point or not. It's happening. They're creating a new family name.

I've known people do this and I think it's lovely. I changed my name, but actually over the years there have been a few occasions where I would have liked some kind of outward sign that I married my dh, not my in law's!

I'd go for Houseman or Waterman.

Jesus, what's going on with my grammar corrected thingy,,,? Is my iPad still in German language mode...? Hm.

" And if she were to take her husband's name her current name wouldn't be her last name anymore. And if he were to take hers it wouldn't be his anymore... so, in either case one of them would change their name. This clearly shows that it's quite normal to get a name change...

They simply want to decide what name they have and not let it be decided by circumstance... My family goes back to the 15th century and I didn't mind taking my wife's name. It's just the name some great-great-great.... grandfather happened to have.

I can't believe you think people get married to have their name the same as their DH's

Well best of luck to the baby and wedding regardless of opinion

That is absolutely not what I said op

But you asked me why bother getting married then? After I said I didn't want to take his name

Thanks for the luck though...

God, this thread has attracted a few some sexist idiots who are stuck in the dark ages!

My preference is for everyone to have two surnames so that no-one changes their name after marriage and children share one surname with each parent (similar to the Spanish way).

However, I understand that two surnames aren't the norm in this country, many people prefer to just have one, and some surnames just don't work together. And I agree, OP, that your surnames don't work together. So in your case if you want to all share a name I think amalgamating them is a great solution.

Waterman is definitely the best option. FWIW I think Waterhouse is a great name and Smallman is terrible! But Waterman is quite cool.

If you'll permit a bit of unsolicited advice: tell as many people as possible about your surname plans before the wedding. Tell the person who will be announcing your arrival at the reception to announce you as "Mr and Mrs Waterman". Then send out the thank you cards with your names clearly written in the cards and on the envelopes.

Some people will still assume and get it wrong, but not nearly as many if you make a point of letting people know.

DH and had a wedding website (not as wanky as it sounds, we wanted to save the environment and didn't want to send out loads of bits of paper) and we had an FAQs page with things including dress code and our surname plans.

Our grandparents still get it wrong but most people have got their heads around it

Waterman. I think it's a lovely idea. I know a couple who did the same.

I like Houseman best, but Waterman is also good. I don't think Smallwater is bad either. Which surname goes best with you and your DP's forenames best?

Have I just stepped into a time warp? I hope you are getting married in a church, are a virgin, have a good dowry, and most importantly are marrying someone of the opposite sex or who knows what might happen. The universe might implode or something.

Congratulations by the way - fantastic names all round

Cantthink why do you think she should take DPs name? Its a outdated tradition that's getting less common every day.

Think I've said oswin.

I'm clearly an out of date dinosaur.

I'll go back into the kitchen with my clutched pearls and whimper into my cocoa.

Best wishes op

Swirlingasong "...there have been a few occasions where I would have liked some kind of outward sign that I married my dh, not my in laws!"

Absolutely!

I can't believe there are so many people being so pissy!

Waterman is a great name and I think it's a lovely idea.

Waterman

Dh wanted us to change our surname to wolf when we got married

His dad went loopy....so we didnt

I have his name and its a dumb one

Its probably better than wolf though

Waterman.

Can't believe the 1950s responses you are getting.

Amalgamating your names is no more silly than you taking his name. It's just that people are used to women taking men's names so have stopped considering whether it's silly or not...

Can'tThink: actually it has everything to do with equality .