More and more, there have been articles about the phenomena of men taking their wives' last names. The latest example comes from Omaha, Nebraska, where a pair of indie rockers decided to use her name upon marriage, partly because she had just embarked on a solo career.

Is this reversal of traditional gender roles happening among the more common folk? Since there is no national or state agency that records this information, nobody knows for sure. But if you type "men taking women's last name" into Google there are about 16 million results, and the search engine can figure out where you want to go once you type the "w." So, clearly, this is a topic of active discussion.

Under what circumstances would you consider taking your wife's last name? Keep in mind, you would have to jump through a bunch of legal hoops, and your parents would probably be miffed. Check out some of the other cons, as well as some of the pros, after the jump.


Taking a woman's name is the worst kind of bad idea -- one you have to live with every day.
* Your friends are going to laugh at you. Sometimes right to your face, and other times behind your back. Either way, they will follow their laughter with a reference to your testicles.

* You will have to explain to employers, MVA clerks, bank tellers, etc., why your last name has changed. These folks won't laugh directly in your face, but they will laugh once you leave. Again, your testicles will be mentioned.

* The laughter thing. It's sort of a big deal. It's likely why these social traditions -- and many others -- stick around for so long.

Traditions are made to be broken.
* If you like to stick it to the man, taking the wife's name is not a bad way to go. It might not be as in-your-face as getting a big neck tattoo, or sporting the adult male ponytail, but it's more aesthetically pleasing, especially if your wife's last name is better than yours.

* The "But honey, I took your name" card could be played in many situations to great effect.

* You would probably be able to get the local paper or news station to do a feature on your unconventional choice, if that is your kind of thing. (Or if you want to promote your band.)