The Name Game

Depicted image is actual ink print taken from photo of Lauren

One thing that Lauren and I have not discussed regarding her impending nuptials is what her new name will be.  She doesn't strike me as a traditionalist, and yet I somehow believe she will end up being Lauren Jerle.  I don't even think she will be known as Lauren Cooper Jerle.

It's a super personal choice, and I really have no opinion on it other than what I did.  Some people find two last names pretentious.  Some people assume if you keep your maiden name you're a huge feminist or uber educated.

I kept my maiden name, and that's what I go by.  Although with the proliferation of facebook users, many women appear to be using two last names, even though it is more so old friends can find them.  Sometimes I throw in my husband's name at the end if it seems like it will help the situation, or I just use my husband's last name when it comes to things with the kids.  It's just easier because many people cannot wrap their heads around more than one name.

The interesting thing here is, I didn't keep my maiden name on purpose.  I was married on a small island, and the wedding license was much cheaper if we purchased it in Boston.  It took a series of steps that involved filling out reams of paperwork, walking two blocks, waiting in line, appearing before a judge, and signing more paperwork.  When we were filling out some random form,  it asked my name and I put my maiden name down.  It didn't even occur to me that it was asking me the name I was going to go by once married.

The bigger issue I have here is with people who cannot spell my first name.  Good friends mess it up, as do relatives who should know better.  Teachers never got it right in school, but that was so commonplace, I stopped correcting them.  At least when I get my mail, I know what is legitimate and what is crap.  If my name is spelled right, I'll look at it.

AND, my name is spelled like the french phrase for "I love you"  J'aime.  It's not the Spanish pronunciation of a man's name, Hy-may.  Thank you very much.