"There are no answers. That’s the answer. There ain’t any answer. There ain’t going to be any answer. There never has been an answer. That’s the answer." (Gertrude Stein)
Saturday, July 18, 2009
To Hyphenate, Or Not To Hyphenate: That Is The Question!
Should I? I really like the idea, but then I've never had to live with a hyphenated name. Does anyone know anyone who's done it?
It's all about how long the names are. Too long together? (i.e. me) don't hyphenate. I think taking the name separately (like an extra middle name) is a good solution.
i do know people who have done it. i know a couple who both added their spouse's name to their name, so they're both hyphenated but in opposite orders, and i know a couple who picked a direction and did it and had the same hyphenated name thereafter. both sets were short, though; one is three and one is four syllables total, post-hyphenation.
(oh, and gale did it... hers is really long to spell, but once you learn to pronounce all those interesting letter combination, it still comes out to 4 syllables.)
how many would y'all be? and who goes first, or do you alternate?
I love the idea of the new middle name, though part of me says, hey,how come she's not changing anything?! Ah, my little second-wave-feminist within...
Remember both of you have professional names at this time. So that can complicate this. I know m/f couples that have kept their names because of that problem. That said, I like the idea of of a new middle name. Increase the number of initials you use. :) Your last name as her second middle name and vis-versa.
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It's all about how long the names are. Too long together? (i.e. me) don't hyphenate.
I think taking the name separately (like an extra middle name) is a good solution.
i do know people who have done it. i know a couple who both added their spouse's name to their name, so they're both hyphenated but in opposite orders, and i know a couple who picked a direction and did it and had the same hyphenated name thereafter. both sets were short, though; one is three and one is four syllables total, post-hyphenation.
(oh, and gale did it... hers is really long to spell, but once you learn to pronounce all those interesting letter combination, it still comes out to 4 syllables.)
how many would y'all be? and who goes first, or do you alternate?
Dwight knew some folks who both used the same hyphenated last name. The chose the order based on what was easier to say, I think.
Alternative solution: Come up with a brand new name that you both can share :-)
I love the idea of the new middle name, though part of me says, hey,how come she's not changing anything?! Ah, my little second-wave-feminist within...
Remember both of you have professional names at this time. So that can complicate this. I know m/f couples that have kept their names because of that problem. That said, I like the idea of of a new middle name. Increase the number of initials you use. :) Your last name as her second middle name and vis-versa.
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