jstarfireb
Ideal_Rock
- Joined
- Mar 24, 2007
- Messages
- 6,232
My husband and I both have very ethnic names, and we're of different ethnicities (Eastern European and Chinese). That was one of my concerns with taking his name. Everyone would expect a Chinese-American person if they heard me introduce myself with his last name. Think "Donna Chang" from Seinfeld ("You're not Chinese!?!"). Hyphenating helped me get around that because very few people assume ethnicity from a hyphenated name. It's generally assumed that the first part of the hyphenated name is yours and the second is your husband's. You guys are lucky to have 1- and 2-syllable names. My hyphenated name is 4 syllables, which can be a pain, but that's because my name is long (his is only 1 syllable). Also, if you hyphenate, a part of your name will be the same as your future kids' names. And you can always choose to introduce yourself with his name if you want (I only introduce myself with my maiden name despite the hyphenated name). So I still think it could be a good solution for you.
While I like the idea of picking a totally new name for you, your husband, and your future kids to share, that can be difficult for some families to wrap their minds around. I know my husband would never have gone for that, and my family would have been upset if I gave up my name in any way (taking his OR making up a new one). But if you do go that route, it's a great opportunity to pick a really interesting name with a cool meaning.
While I like the idea of picking a totally new name for you, your husband, and your future kids to share, that can be difficult for some families to wrap their minds around. I know my husband would never have gone for that, and my family would have been upset if I gave up my name in any way (taking his OR making up a new one). But if you do go that route, it's a great opportunity to pick a really interesting name with a cool meaning.