Changing Your Last Name After Marriage: A Comprehensive Guide

Changing your last name after marriage is a personal decision that many couples face. Whether you choose to hyphenate, take your partner's name, or keep your own, understanding the process is crucial. This guide will walk you through the steps involved in legally changing your last name, covering everything from legal requirements to practical considerations.
1. **Anderson:** Son of Andrew; a man from the valley of the Andros; a man who is strong.
2. **Baker:** One who bakes bread.
3. **Bell:** One who makes or sells bells; a beautiful sound.
4. **Bennett:** Son of Benedict; blessed; a holy man.
5. **Black:** One who has dark hair or complexion.
6. **Brown:** One who has brown hair or complexion; one who lives near a brown hill.
7. **Campbell:** One who lives near a crooked field.
8. **Carter:** One who transports goods by cart.
9. **Clark:** One who is a clerk or secretary; one who is learned.
10. **Coleman:** One who lives by the coal mine.
11. **Cook:** One who prepares food.
12. **Davis:** Son of David; beloved; one who is loved by God.
13. **Edwards:** Son of Edward; wealthy guardian; a prosperous protector.
14. **Evans:** Son of Evan; one who is the Lord's; a man of God.
15. **Fisher:** One who catches fish.
16. **Foster:** One who nurtures or rears.
17. **Fox:** One who lives in a fox's den or hunts foxes.
18. **Garcia:** One who is a warrior.
19. **Gardner:** One who tends a garden.
20. **Gibson:** Son of Gilbert; hostage; one who is a pledge.
21. **Gonzalez:** Son of Gonzalo; a fighter; one who is strong.
22. **Green:** One who lives in a green valley; one who has green hair or complexion.
23. **Hall:** One who lives in a hall or large building.
24. **Harris:** Son of Henry; ruler of the house; a powerful man.
25. **Harrison:** Son of Harry; ruler of the house; a powerful man.
26. **Henderson:** Son of Henry; ruler of the house; a powerful man.
27. **Hernandez:** Son of Hernando; one who is strong.
28. **Hill:** One who lives on a hill.
29. **Jackson:** Son of Jack; God is gracious; a man favored by God.
30. **James:** Supplanter; a man who follows after.
31. **Jenkins:** Son of John; God is gracious; a man favored by God.
32. **Johnson:** Son of John; God is gracious; a man favored by God.
33. **Jones:** Son of John; God is gracious; a man favored by God.
34. **Kelly:** One who is bright; a warrior; a fighter.
35. **King:** One who is a ruler.
36. **Lee:** One who lives in a meadow; one who is loyal.
37. **Lewis:** One who is a warrior; a famous fighter.
38. **Lopez:** One who is a wolf; a protector; a strong man.
39. **Martin:** One who is a warrior; a strong man.
40. **Martinez:** Son of Martin; a warrior; a strong man.
41. **Miller:** One who grinds grain.
42. **Mitchell:** One who is a messenger; one who is sent to deliver a message.
43. **Moore:** One who lives near a moor or swamp.
44. **Morgan:** One who lives near the sea; one who is a protector.
45. **Murphy:** Son of Morphy; sea warrior; one who fights on the sea.
46. **Nelson:** Son of Neil; champion; one who is victorious.
47. **Parker:** One who is a park keeper; one who guards a park.
48. **Patterson:** Son of Patrick; one who is a noble man; a man of great character.
49. **Perez:** Son of Pedro; one who is a rock; one who is strong.
50. **Phillips:** Son of Philip; a lover of horses; one who is a strong rider.
51. **Powell:** One who lives near a pool or pond.
52. **Price:** One who is a priest; one who is holy.
53. **Reed:** One who lives near a reed bed.
54. **Richardson:** Son of Richard; a powerful ruler; a brave warrior.
55. **Roberts:** Son of Robert; famous brightness; one who is brilliant.
56. **Robinson:** Son of Robin; famous brightness; one who is brilliant.
57. **Rodriguez:** Son of Rodrigo; one who is strong; one who is a warrior.
58. **Rogers:** Son of Roger; famous spear; one who is a great warrior.
59. **Ross:** One who lives near a marshy area; one who is strong.
60. **Russell:** One who is red-haired; one who is strong.
61. **Sanders:** Son of Alexander; defender of mankind; a protector.
62. **Sanchez:** Son of Sancho; one who is holy; one who is a servant of God.
63. **Scott:** One who is from Scotland; one who is a warrior.
64. **Shaw:** One who lives in a wooded area; one who is strong.
65. **Simmons:** Son of Simon; a hearer; one who listens well.
66. **Smith:** One who works with metal; one who is a blacksmith.
67. **Stewart:** One who is a steward; one who manages a household.
68. **Sullivan:** Son of Sullivan; one who is a black-eyed one; one who is a fighter.
69. **Taylor:** One who cuts cloth; one who is a tailor.
70. **Thomas:** Twin; a man who is a mirror image.
71. **Thompson:** Son of Thomas; twin; a man who is a mirror image.
72. **Turner:** One who turns wood; one who is a craftsman.
73. **Walker:** One who walks; one who is a traveler.
74. **Wallace:** One who lives in a valley; one who is a warrior.
75. **Ward:** One who guards a ward or area; one who is a protector.
76. **Washington:** One who lives near a wooded area; one who is a protector.
77. **Watson:** Son of Walter; ruler of the army; a powerful leader.
78. **Williams:** Son of William; protector; one who is a strong warrior.
79. **Wilson:** Son of Will; protector; one who is a strong warrior.
80. **Wright:** One who is a craftsman; one who works with wood.
81. **Young:** One who is young; one who is new.