By Laura Seaman
It’s not Kim Kardashian anymore, it’s Kim West! This reality TV star has officially changed her surname from that of her famous family’s to her famous rapper husband’s. With a new passport photo to go with her new name, she recently took to Twitter to announce her new name with the hashtag #Mrs.West. According to People, the former Kardashian has been a West on the social media site for a few months, and it was only a matter of time until she made it official.
How do you know whether to change your name post-marriage?
Cupid’s Advice:
It’s tradition for the bride to change her surname to that of her new husband’s, but recently more and more women have been keeping their own names instead. It’s a decision that takes a lot of thought, as changing your name is like changing part of who you are. It’s a commitment that fits the importance of marriage, and if your marriage doesn’t make it, your name will have to change yet again. It’s a very public way of announcing that you’re hitched, so there are a few things to think about before you make the choice:
1. Think of which name you will be using in your career. Many women might keep their own last names because it is the name that their clients and coworkers know them by. It would take a while for everyone in the workplace to get used to the new name, and you’d have to change things like your business cards, signature lines, and maybe even your email address if they contain your last name.
Related: Kim Kardashian Says She and Kanye Will ‘Always Be in the Honeymoon Phase’
2. Consider how important it is to the groom. True, it’s your name that’s changing, but it’s his name you’re changing it to. Some grooms might not care whether or not you take their name, but others may feel strongly about the issue. It’s something you should probably talk about before getting married, but something you should definitely discuss if you’re not sure either way.
Related: Kanye West Shows Off His Wedding Ring
3. Ask yourself why you wouldn’t. Yes, changing your name is a huge step, but it’s a step you should be willing to take if you’re serious about your marriage. If you can’t commit to changing your last name, how can you commit to living your life with this person until death do you part? Maybe you have your own personal reasons, but make sure lack of commitment isn’t one of them.
How did you make the choice of whether or not to change your last name? Let us know in the comments below!
