Recent research revealed that 35% of unmarried millennials and 29% of Gen X and Gen Z women are planning to keep their birth names in a professional context after marriage. This trend, fueled by evolving social norms and the increasing importance of online privacy, is gaining momentum across many industries. However, they will carry their maiden name, under which they have earned all their milestones and achievements, online and professionally. While the decision to keep maiden names professionally is not entirely new, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and social media adds complexity and consideration to this choice.
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Work-Life Divide Or Personal Branding
Changing names after marriage can sometimes result in losing an established digital footprint. Professionals who have built a reputation under their maiden name risk confusing their audiences or, in some cases, losing the digital recognition they have carefully cultivated. According to a survey of 6,000 women by The Female Quotient, the majority of women consider keeping their birth name because of personal brand from a career perspective.
Moreover, with the rise of social media, 33% of Gen Z women believed in not changing their names after marriage to protect the integrity of their social media handles and online reputations. But this is not the only reason behind the decision. Multiple factors are involved, such as privacy, a clear work-life divide, and safety.
This phenomenon is becoming increasingly popular among men, not just women! In 2018, Jason Wingate, CEO of brand growth company Emerald Ocean, adopted his wife’s name for his professional endeavors. In his experience, he has to face very few questions regarding his name change and communicating with clients. Most of their clients used to know him because of the company’s email address, not because of his personal email. Later, Jason started using his birth name as using his wife’s name became confusing for his publicity campaigns.
It is clear from this that everyone has a reason to change or keep their name, and this trend will continue to grow.
Having A Consistent Name Is More Important Than Ever!
Since we entered the age of Artificial Intelligence and Automation, it has become even more important for individuals to keep their surname consistent throughout their careers. According to Shelley Zalis, founder and CEO, the algorithms used in AI software fetch existing information from internet sources and content. If someone changes their name in the middle of their career, it is most probable that the algorithm will fetch it and update it accordingly. This can make it harder to control one’s online reputation or ensure that one’s work and achievements are accurately represented.
Are People Going To Believe I’m Her/His Mother?
While this phenomenon might become more prevalent, women increasingly keep their legal and personal names different. But are we ready to deal with the emotional impact of the decision?
In a recent interview with Fortune, Alex Banta, a therapist, chose to follow this trend. She kept her legal name to safeguard her research, achievement and licenses. But adopted her husband’s name in her personal life through social media, family correspondence, and more, to become more difficult to trace outside the working hours.
But after giving birth to her daughter, Banta was baffled by the emotional impact of not sharing the same legal surname with her child. The decision might seem practical to protect the child from unwanted attention, but the thought of carrying the birth certificate around to prove your parenthood can be devastating for a parent.
The Future of Identity and Privacy
As AI evolves, the lines between personal and professional identities will likely continue to blur. In the coming years, AI technologies will become even more adept at scanning and connecting personal data, making the need for name separation even more pressing for some women.
Ultimately, the choice to separate professional and personal names reflects the broader societal shift toward individuality, privacy, and the growing influence of technology. As AI reshapes how we interact with the digital world, it’s clear that managing one’s identity—whether through names, privacy settings, or online personas—will be a key part of navigating the future professional landscape. Women, in particular, are asserting control over how they present themselves, both online and offline, and the rise of AI is playing a central role in that transformation.
