Society comes up with a new rule for women everyday. Some women follow it, some tweak it a little to fit what they truly want, and others just give society the middle finger.
Nigerians have been debating on X (FKA Twitter) if women should take their partner’s last names, so we asked 10 Nigerian women if they’d take their partner’s last names after marriage and this is what they said.
Jumai*, 59, Widowed
I got married in the 90s. At the time, it didn’t really feel like I had a different choice but to take his name. However, I tweaked it. I didn’t like his last name or the meaning behind it, so I took his middle name instead. It was a win-win.
Blessing*, 24, Single
I’m open to changing my name, but only if my partner’s name sounds nice. If it doesn’t sound better than mine, then I’m keeping my last name.
Favour*, 69, Married
I took my husband’s name because I was expected to take it. Also, it didn’t make sense for me to keep my name. I’m not insanely popular like an actress or a musician, so I didn’t have any reason to keep my name. Besides, the Bible says your husband is your head, so it was the Christian thing to do.
Joy*,23, Single
My daddy is dead, so keeping his name feels like a good way to remember him. That said, I also feel like I might have an identity crisis if I change my name at this point in my life. So, no, I won’t be taking my husband’s last name, but our children can take his name. Let everyone answer their father’s names.
Lolu*, 26, Single
I won’t be taking my husband’s last name. I like mine too much, but if we have children, I won’t mind mind if they take his name or maybe the boys can take his and the girls can take mine. I’m still thinking about this part.
Beauty*, 27, Married
I changed my last name after I got married. My previous surname had a traditional meaning we didn’t like, and my dad wanted to change our name before he passed, so marriage was an opportunity to do so.
Chisom*, 32, Engaged
I’ve thought about it a lot because my surname sounds so fucking cool. I like my partner’s surname, so I’m willing to hyphenate both names. When we have children, they can take his name.
Doyin*, 27, Engaged
I don’t mind people calling me by my partner’s last name, but I don’t think I’ll ever change my name on paper. It takes forever to change your last name in this country, so it just doesn’t feel worth it. Also, I really like my last name and it’s a big part of my identity and work. My name has become a brand, and I just don’t see myself letting that go.
Ivy*, 23, Single
First of all, I’m a lesbian. I don’t have any societal obligation to take anyone’s name. But I also don’t like the stress that comes with legally changing a name. So yeah, I won’t change mine. If we have kids, we can hyphenate or merge both our names and come up with a new surname
Somto*, 30, Single
I’ve never really planned on taking my partner’s name when I get married. The plan is to make a name for myself before I get married, so it’ll just be easier to either hyphenate or leave my name as is.
