According to a new YouGov UK commissioned study, that tradition seems to be losing its appeal among millennial and Gen Z women. This move by many state legislators shows an increasing demand for independence and self-expression. A new survey of 2,192 British adults finds it’s becoming a pandemic among young women. An increasing number of them are deciding to either retain their birth names or experiment with different naming practices.
Changing one’s surname to their partner’s upon matrimony is still the default for many heterosexual couples throughout Europe. The research suggests that this custom is fading with younger generations. In the UK, only 35 percent of women aged 18 to 34 expressed a desire to adopt their partner’s surname. She adds that twenty-four percent of young women say they would like to see both partners retain their birth surnames. Underscoring this selection is a clear and intentional movement from outdated norms.
In countries like Spain and Iceland, women traditionally retain their last name from birth after marriage. This practice illuminates a cultural expectation that is very different from that of the UK. In like manner, Greece has had legal provisions enshrined since 1983 requiring that wives keep their names for life. These examples are just at the vanguard of much broader trends across Europe where raising changing surnames is far less common.
Despite the declining interest among younger women, the tradition of a woman taking her spouse’s surname still garners support across various demographics. Academic and religious reasons aside, the YouGov survey revealed that 51 percent of women and 56 percent of men still love the traditional practice. Nearly one-third of men age 18 to 34 are open to the possibility of adopting their wife’s surname. This trend is heartening evidence of a positive disruption to gender norms.
Yet, name blending as an idea is still very unpopular among Britons. The public response even made it the most unpopular choice for name change. This could indicate a yearning for simplicity and familiarity in the face of evolving tastes.
Indeed, both the UK and US studies show that there is more to be learned. While old traditions are still robustly honored, younger generations are courageously challenging and redefining marriage traditions. As gender binaries slowly begin to fade in society, we can only hope that the conversation around surnames and identity will keep growing.
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