Name Change Statistics After Marriage in the UK

When it comes to marriage, one of the most recognizable traditions is changing your name. For many, adopting a spouse’s surname is part of the process. But for others, the decision is more complex—some opt for a double-barrelled surname, while others keep their own. So, what does the data really say about name changes after marriage in the UK?

In this article, we’ll explore the latest statistics around name changes, including the gender breakdown, the choices people make regarding their surnames, the age range at which people marry, and the age distribution of those changing their last name versus those who did not.

Let’s dive in!

1) Gender Breakdown of Name Changes After Marriage

One of the most frequently discussed aspects of name changes is the gender breakdown. Traditionally, women have been more likely to adopt their husband's surname, but how does the data actually look? Here's what we found:

• Females who changed their name: 2,479 individuals (85.66%)
• Males who changed their name: 414 individuals (14.31%)
• Gender-neutral individuals who changed their name: 1 individual (0.03%)

As expected, women account for the vast majority of name changes, though a smaller number of men also choose to change their name. The fact that gender-neutral individuals are changing their name points to a broader, more inclusive shift in societal attitudes toward marriage and identity.

2) Types of Last Name Changes: Single vs Double Last Names

When it comes to changing a surname, the decision isn’t always straightforward. Some people adopt their spouse’s surname, while others opt for a double-barrelled surname, combining both their surname and their spouse’s. Here’s the breakdown:

1. People Who Changed Their Last Name into a Different Single Name:

• Number of people: 2,637 (90.22%)

The majority of individuals (90.22%) who change their last name opt for a single surname, adopting their spouse’s name. This has been the traditional route for many years, and it remains the most popular choice.

2. People Who Created a Double Last Name:

• Number of people: 193 (6.60%)

A smaller but still significant portion (6.60%) of individuals choose to create a double last name, hyphenating their surname with their spouse’s. This trend reflects a growing desire for individuals to maintain their identity while also embracing their marital connection.

3. People Who Did Not Change Their Last Name:

• Number of people: 93 (3.18%)

A small number of people (3.18%) chose not to change their last name after marriage, either to maintain their personal or professional identity or because they didn’t feel the need to adopt their spouse’s surname.

3) The Age Range of People Getting Married in the UK

The age at which people get married can offer a lot of insight into changing societal norms. With marriage rates declining in younger generations and more people choosing to marry later in life, let’s take a look at the most common ages for marriage in the UK. Here are the top 10 ages at which people are getting married:

As you can see, people are getting married in their late 20s and early 30s, with the highest concentrations at ages 30, 29, and 31. This reflects a societal shift towards later marriages, as people prioritize career, financial stability, or personal growth before settling down.

Interestingly, the numbers begin to decrease slightly after the early 30s, suggesting that fewer people are marrying in their late 30s compared to their 20s and early 30s. This could be due to changing attitudes around marriage, as more people delay or forgo it altogether in favor of other pursuits.

4) Age Distribution of People Who Changed Their Last Name vs Those Who Did Not

Let’s take a closer look at the age distribution of people who changed their last name versus those who did not. Here are the key statistics:

People Who Changed Their Last Name:

• Count: 2,829
• Mean Age: 35.71 years
• Age Range: 16 to 82 years
• Age Quartiles:
  • 25th percentile: 29 years
  • 50th percentile (Median): 33 years
  • 75th percentile: 40 years

People Who Did Not Change Their Last Name:

• Count: 93
• Mean Age: 39.78 years
• Age Range: 22 to 76 years
• Age Quartiles:
  • 25th percentile: 31 years
  • 50th percentile (Median): 37 years
  • 75th percentile: 47 years

Key Observations:

• Average Age: The average age for people who changed their last name is 35.71 years, slightly younger compared to those who did not change their last name (39.78 years).
• Median Age: The median age for people who changed their last name is 33 years, while for those who did not change their last name, it’s 37 years. This suggests that people who change their last name are typically a bit younger.
• Age Range: The age range for those changing their last name spans from 16 to 82 years, showing that name changes occur across all age groups, with a slight concentration in younger to middle-aged individuals.

Conclusion: Understanding the Trends in Marriage and Name Changes

The data provides valuable insights into how marriage and name changes are evolving in the UK. While women still dominate the trend of adopting their spouse’s surname, a growing number are opting for double-barrelled surnames to preserve their own identity. Additionally, more people are waiting until their late 20s or early 30s to marry, marking a significant shift in societal attitudes toward marriage.

These trends reflect broader changes in how people view personal identity, relationships, and societal expectations. As these patterns continue to shift, it will be interesting to observe how future generations approach marriage and name changes.