A married woman’s maiden name is her parents’ surname before she got married and started using her husband’s surname. A maiden last name refers to a married woman’s surname before she gets married and takes on her husband’s surname.
It is a woman’s original family name, given by her parents at birth. Once she marries, she may choose to change her last name to her husband’s surname. This tradition has been followed in many English-speaking countries. However, some women may choose to keep their maiden last name even after marriage.
In this case, their children may have a hyphenated last name or take on both the parents’ last names. While maiden names are commonly associated with women, they can also be referred to as birth names or family names.

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The legal implications of changing or keeping a maiden last name include:
- Process and requirements for changing a last name after marriage
- Considerations for using a maiden last name legally
When it comes to changing a last name after marriage, the process and requirements vary depending on the jurisdiction. Some common steps include filing a name change petition, obtaining a marriage certificate, and updating identification documents.
If a woman decides to legally use her maiden last name, she may face certain considerations. These can include potential confusion with documentation, such as legal documents, identification cards, and passports, as well as potential discrepancies in records and official documents. It is important for individuals to be aware of the legal implications and requirements involved in using a maiden last name.

