A Man's Rights Upon Marriage: Understanding Your Name Change Options

Traditionally, the custom of changing one’s surname upon marriage has been associated with women.

However, in the UK, men also have the legal right to change their surname after marriage.

Understanding these rights and the processes involved ensures that your personal and professional identity aligns with your preferences.

Surname Options After Marriage

Upon marriage, a man in the UK can choose from several surname options:

Retain Current Surname: Continue using your existing surname without any changes.

Adopt Spouse’s Surname: Change your surname to that of your spouse.

Double-Barrel Surnames: Combine both surnames, either with or without a hyphen, to create a double-barrelled surname.

Create a New Surname: Mesh/blend elements of both surnames or choose an entirely new surname.

Although men traditionally keep their surname after marriage, you also have the legal right to change it.

Whether adopting their spouse’s surname, double-barrelling, or creating a new surname, a Deed Poll is often required for official recognition. Understanding the legal process ensures a smooth transition when updating passports, bank accounts, and other official documents.

Double-barrelling your surname with your wife’s surname OR taking your wife’s surname

When couples merge their identities through marriage, double-barrelled surnames offer a balanced approach to name sharing. This combination preserves both family names while creating a new shared identity.

A double-barrelled surname integrates both partners’ original surnames, either with a hyphen (Smith-Jones) or as separate words (Smith Jones). The hyphen is entirely optional and depends on personal preference. While traditionally some circles place the man’s surname last, most modern couples arrange the names based on what sounds most harmonious when spoken.

This naming option provides couples with flexibility while honoring both family legacies. When considering a double-barrelled surname, couples should experiment with different arrangements to find the combination that best represents their new family unit.

Cost-Saving Options for Double-Barrelled Surnames

Planning Ahead to Save on Deed Poll Costs

When both partners plan to adopt a double-barrelled surname, strategic timing can eliminate the need for two separate Deed Polls. If the husband-to-be changes his surname by Deed Poll to the desired double-barrelled version before the wedding, his future wife can then adopt this surname through the traditional marriage process using just the marriage certificate.

Important timing considerations:

Apply for the Deed Poll at least three months before your wedding
Allow sufficient time to update all important documents before your honeymoon
Ensure your passport, travel documents, driver’s license, and credit cards all reflect your new name
Avoid traveling internationally with identification documents showing different names
Notify your minister or registrar about your name change to ensure the marriage notice lists your new surname
Bring 2-3 official documents in your new name to demonstrate consistent use

Alternative Naming Options

Adding Your Wife’s Surname as a Middle Name

If your wife will be taking your surname in the traditional manner, you might consider adopting her surname as one of your middle names. This thoughtful gesture acknowledges her sacrifice of her family name and creates more balance in the name-changing process. This addition requires a Deed Poll to legally establish.

“Meshing” Your Surnames

A modern alternative gaining popularity is “surname meshing” – blending elements of both surnames to create an entirely new shared family name. For example:

Sarah THOMPSON + Michael SIMMONS could become Sarah and Michael SIMMSON
Alternatively, they might choose THOMONS or another creative combination

This option requires Deed Polls for both partners. Many couples also retain their original surnames as middle names to maintain connections to their family heritage (e.g., Sarah Thompson SIMMSON and Michael Simmons SIMMSON).

A Man's Rights Upon Marriage: Understanding Your Name Change Options

Surname Options After Marriage

Although men traditionally keep their surname after marriage, you also have the legal right to change it.

Double-barrelling your surname with your wife’s surname OR taking your wife’s surname

Cost-Saving Options for Double-Barrelled Surnames

Alternative Naming Options

Helpline:

Deed Poll Services

Useful Information