Post # 1
Member
617 posts
Busy bee
I am gearing up to change my name – first let me say I do sincerely want to change my name (or I wouldnt be doing it) but I am VERY upset to lose my last name, I just really do love my name. Anyway, I am trying to decide if I would like to keep my maiden name as a middle name, or if I should lose it all together. Basically, I am not going to drop my middle name for my maiden name so it will either be first, middle, maiden, married – or – first, middle, married.
I am curious for those of you who have kept all 4 (2 middle names) – what did you do in terms of listing both middle names on documents. I would be fine with having first, middle, maiden, married on my SS but then only first, maiden, married on my license. Is that an option or is the DMV going to want all 4 listed on the license? Honestly, I am just worried about how they will fit all 4 together is 28 letters. Then what happens to your passport and other document? Anyone honeslty with any experince of having 4 names that could lend their 2 cents would be a great help right now 🙂
Post # 2
Member
141 posts
Blushing bee
Following to see responses. Changing my name soon for first middle maiden last, and that’s 31 letters!!
Post # 3
Member
3025 posts
Sugar bee
- Wedding: July 2014 - Prague
I think 4 names would end up annoying me. I’d keep it as simple as possible.
Post # 4
Member
1149 posts
Bumble bee
MarieeToBee: I wouldn’t worry about too many letters, my maiden name is 12 letters alone haha (plus my first and middle names!) I’ve always been able to fit it all in on official documents – lots of people out there have craaaazy long names, there’s always a way to accomodate it.
I would do the same if I was really attached to my middle name but i’m not so when we get married i’m dropping it, taking my FI’s surname and taking my mums maiden name as my middle name as I’m very close to her side of the family. If the name is meaningful to you then keep it! You’ll be able to make it work 🙂
Post # 5
Member
732 posts
Busy bee
Not sure where you are, but it could make a difference. I wanted to keep my maiden name as a second middle name and take FI’s last name. But then I looked into it and it turns out you aren’t allowed to do that in California ): They do allow you to do First Middle-Maiden Last though (probably what I’ll do). Point is, might want to double check the law where you are just in case!
Post # 6
Member
563 posts
Busy bee
I’m on the fence about what I’m going to do also. All four of my names would be 8 5 7 7,so on the long side too. This is too tough. I am not giving up my last name…or my middle,that has meaning also. I think the idea of 4 names on social and 3 names on license…but what about bank accounts,etc. 3 names because that’s what on your social….geez louise
Post # 7
Member
617 posts
Busy bee
TheSpecial: I am in PA and from everything I have read it sounds as though you used to not be allowed but now they let you – however, I cant seem to find a clear you’re allowed or not anywhere.<br /><br />
JerNCher: I am glad the decision is overwelming to others too – if I didnt have an attachement to my middle and last name both I guess it wouldnt be hard – but I do!
I would like to make it clear that I dont necessarily want 4 names, and I am very aware that have 3 is just easier, but I really do have an attachement to both names so I am trying to find the best soltution for myself.
Post # 8
Member
424 posts
Helper bee
I considered this as I’ve had different last names and thought of doing something similar so I’d still have my previous married name I share with my kids but I asked a friend who kept middle and maiden and said on many legal documents she was first middle maidenlast with no hyphen and while she didn’t mind she said it did get tricky and there was no rhyme or reason to which department did it which way. I’ve always loved my middle with my first so I just swap out last names 🙂
Post # 9
Member
645 posts
Busy bee
Not sure if this helps but I’ve had 4 names my entire life, Cora Lee is my first then I have a middle and last name. I’ve never had any issues, my drivers license, social, passport, etc all have each name listed. From time to time when you fill out an electronic form it won’t let you add a space so I just always cram them together. Boarding passes get a little messed up sometimes too since it has to match my drivers license but not all airlines keep the name seperate. I’ve really never had a huge issue.
Post # 10
Member
2609 posts
Sugar bee
- Wedding: May 2014 - Madison, WI
I have 4 names now, First (orig middle & maiden name) NewLastName. My SS Card, DL, and Passport list all the names. But my only last name is my married name. Legally, your name is usually just considered to be first and last name. Many of my other documents/cards only list first and last name. Middle Initial – I just use my middle name and omit the maiden name. Seems to work out fine. I really have not had any issues aside from a few people thinking I hyphenated or should have with my “last names” but then I explain to them I only have one last name.
Post # 11
Member
984 posts
Busy bee
MarieeToBee: I’m also in PA and intend to keep my last name as my 2nd middle as well. I don’t think they have a problem with it anymore… my daughter was born in 2010 and I gave her 2 middle names and it’s on her BC no problem.
Post # 12
Member
207 posts
Helper bee
MarieeToBee:
brinny04:
I am also in PA, I’m now 28 years old, but when I got my Driver’s license they started doing this thing (inconsistently as far as I can tell) where you need to list your full middle name on your Driver’s License. Not saying this to stop anyone from going the 4 name route, but to fly, buy a car, have car insurance etc. if you have to do this on your Driver’s license you will have to do it for all of those other things too.
Post # 13
Member
144 posts
Blushing bee
I hyphenated my last name, so I have all 4 on my DL. it’s not annoying for me at all. I usually go by one last name socially and one professionally and it’s never been an issue.
Post # 14
Member
984 posts
Busy bee
tinapo85: Yea, i’m not really concerned as in my case, my maiden name is only 4 letters.
My children on the other hand, both have double middle names (as will any future children) and they are long. So far, it’s very rare that anything has required both, but that’s why I gave them them, so I prefer to write them all out when possible.
Typically though, it only requires a middle initial, in which case I use the first initial of their first middle name.
Also, they messed up my daughters SS card and it doesn’t have her 2nd middle name. I called the SSA and they said that “middle names dont matter” and as long as the first and last name are correct, they wouldn’t change it.
Post # 15
Member
856 posts
Busy bee
I have four names, that is including First, Middle and two lasts, right at birth. And it is super annoying!!! From living with it my whole life, i have been soooo excited to finally be able to drop the last two and just have his.
It may not seem like a big deal or deal at all, but the life time of questions (causeit will happen) and the confusion!