Maiden Name Traditions Around the World
Explore diverse cultural approaches to maiden names, from matrilineal societies to modern gender-neutral naming practices.
Dr. Aisha Patel
Cultural Anthropologist
Global Diversity in Naming Traditions
Maiden name practices reflect deep cultural values about family, identity, and gender roles. From matrilineal societies that trace lineage through mothers to modern egalitarian approaches, the world offers fascinating diversity.
Matrilineal Societies
In matrilineal cultures, family lineage follows the maternal line:
Mosuo People (China)
The Mosuo people maintain matrilineal traditions where children take their mother's family name, and women retain their birth names throughout life.
Khasi Tribe (India)
Khasi society follows matrilineal descent, with the youngest daughter inheriting family property and maintaining the family name.
European Variations
Spain and Latin America
Spanish naming conventions include both paternal and maternal surnames, creating a comprehensive family history in each person's name.
Iceland
Icelandic patronymic system creates names based on the father's (or mother's) first name, with marriage not traditionally changing names.
Modern Trends:
- • Hyphenated surnames becoming more common
- • Some couples creating new family names
- • Men taking wives' surnames increasing
- • Professional name retention rising
Asian Naming Practices
Japan
Japanese law requires married couples to share the same surname, though recent discussions explore allowing separate surnames.
Korea
Korean women traditionally retain their birth names after marriage, with children taking the father's surname.
China
Modern Chinese practices vary, with urban areas showing increased flexibility in naming conventions.
Contemporary Considerations
Modern naming practices increasingly consider:
- Gender equality in naming rights
- Professional identity preservation
- Cultural heritage maintenance
- Children's name preferences
- International mobility needs