Business Surname

[sassandfaff]

Can I get some perspective from your good selves please?

I am starting a business in a few months. I have a company name and my name on legal documents is that of my ex. The reason I have kept it, is to have the same name as my dd1.

I don't want my ex's name associated with my business. I could call my self my childhood surname, but to me, that would just be another man's surname on my business.

I have a name that I have plucked from obscurity, that has no meaning to me personally - I just think it goes well with my first names,

or,

the other choice would be to just use my first names, as they are double barrelled. (Not Ann-Marie, but like that)

Legal documents like bank accounts, companies house will have my ex's surname on, it would just be my name on business cards, given to clients etc.

What would others do?

Thanks

Sounds confusing to me. I don't agree with the idea that all names are man's names. My name before I was married was my name, despite also belonging to my dad. My name now I'm married (Double-barrelled) is my name, despite also belonging to my husband.

Your business will be your business and your success whatever name you pick.

I knew someone who called her business Anne Marie (well, her actual name) because she hated her surname. I'd prefer that rather than a random surname or a surname that I didn't feel was mine.

Of course, it depends what your business is. Anne Marie might be good for a hairdresser but perhaps not for an accountant.

I would go with the name not associated with your ex, but sounds good.

From a branding perspective surely it's best to choose a good sounding name. It doesn't need to be your real name.

I would actually find out first what name is available as a pure .com domain name, and choose one that is available to go ahead with.

I use my "childhood surname" as you call it because it was MY name till I was 34! Did you marry your ex very young? You seem very unattached to your original surname? Or do you have issues with your parents/father?

If you really don't identify with your childhood surname at all then personally I wouldn't bother with a random one. Just use your first name and company name for stuff.

My business has a name of its own, which I have already bought the domain name for squid. My name will only be used when I introduce myself, on my business card etc.

You are right museumum, I don't have an attachment to my childhood name. I'm rather estranged from my dad (see him a few times a year) and I don't think very highly of him.

I'm still confused! You've all answered differently. :-)

You sound like you will be a brand, so go with the Anne_Marie type name.

Why don't you change both yours and your daughters name to something new to signify your new beginning? That would be quite meaningful wouldn't it.