Episode 71: What’s in a Name?
Welcome back, Ditto fam! This week on the podcast, we’re diving into a topic that sparks a surprising amount of debate: changing your last name after getting married. Should you? Shouldn’t you? Does it even matter?
We got personal about this one, especially since one of us, Katie with the Engagement Ring 💍, is facing this decision head-on as she plans her wedding this summer. So, let’s get into it.
The Big Question: To Change or Not to Change?
For Katie with the Brown Hair, the answer was simple. She’s a little old-fashioned when it comes to this, and for her, there was never a question of whether she’d take her husband’s last name. To her, it just felt right and a natural way to solidify that sense of being a family unit.
For Katie with the Engagement Ring, though, it’s not such a cut-and-dry decision. With a steadily growing career and a strong identity tied to her current name, she’s weighing the pros and cons carefully. Does changing your name mean giving up a part of yourself? Or does it symbolize the beginning of a new chapter in your life?
Career Considerations
One of the biggest factors in this decision, especially for women today, is how changing your name might impact your career. If you’ve built a personal brand, gained recognition in your field, or even published work under your current name, a name change can feel like a setback. It’s not just about updating your email signature—it’s about potentially losing the connection people already associate with you professionally.
Family Feelings
On the flip side, there’s the emotional side of the debate. For many, taking your partner’s last name is a way to feel more connected to your new family. It’s about unity, tradition, and sometimes just wanting to share the same name as your future kids.
We also touched on modern alternatives, like hyphenating names or even creating a brand-new last name together. It’s fascinating how something as simple as a name can mean so many different things to different people.
Steps to Legally Change Your Name
If you decide to change your name, here are the basic steps you’ll need to take after getting married:
Obtain a Certified Marriage Certificate: Once you’re married, request a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the county clerk’s office where your marriage license was filed.
Update Your Social Security Card: Visit the Social Security Administration (SSA) website to download and fill out the SS-5 form. Submit it, along with your marriage certificate and ID, either in person or by mail.
Update Your Driver’s License: Head to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office with your updated Social Security card, marriage certificate, and current ID.
Change Your Name on Financial Accounts: Contact your bank and credit card companies to update your name. You may need to visit in person with your marriage certificate and new ID.
Update Your Passport: If you have a passport, you’ll need to apply for a name change using Form DS-82 or DS-5504, depending on when your passport was issued.
Notify Other Institutions: Don’t forget to update your name with your employer, insurance providers, utility companies, and any other organizations or subscriptions.
Update Your Online Presence: If applicable, update your name on social media, email accounts, and personal websites.
What Do You Think?
This is one of those topics where there’s no right or wrong answer—only what feels right for you. We’d love to hear your thoughts on this. Did you change your name when you got married? Why or why not? Do you regret your decision?
Drop us a comment or DM us on Instagram—we’re curious to hear your stories. And don’t forget to tune in to this week’s episode [linked above or on Spotify and Apple Podcasts] to hear our full conversation on the name debate, Katie with the Engagement Ring’s plans, and whether Katie with the Brown Hair has any regrets about her own decision.
As always, thanks for being part of the Ditto fam. Your support means the world to us. Let’s keep the conversation going!
Stay curious and stay kind,
Katie & Katie
