"What's in a Name?" (New York Times)

mythmom
Tue, 30 Oct 2007 23:49:49 +0000

mathmom: I thought your cousin had had a sex-change operation until I realized what you meant. LOL.

My last name is a unisex first name and not very common as a last name in the US. (It is in England.) This has caused no end of confusion, mostly with surly restaurant staff if they ask for my last name. When I give it they hiss, “I said your last name.” Not even embarassed when a I explain that it is my last name.

Just to add to the general confusion because what would life be without it, I gave both kids hyphenated last names. Together at about 11 and 13 they both decided to drop H’s name and just keep mine. Went to court and everything. Yay! Matriliny. Vassar kept asking us for the returns of the non-custodial parent and treating H as a stepparent, even though he explained several times.