Changing Your Last Name After Divorce: A Comprehensive Guide

Divorce can be a challenging and emotionally draining experience, and one of the many decisions you may need to make is whether to change your last name. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the process, including legal requirements, steps involved, and potential benefits and drawbacks. Whether you are considering returning to your maiden name, taking your new spouse's name, or choosing a completely new name, this information will equip you with the knowledge to navigate the process effectively.
1. **Johnson:** A common surname, meaning "son of John," derived from the Hebrew name "Yochanan," meaning "God is gracious."
2. **Williams:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of William," derived from the Germanic name "Wilhelm," meaning "resolute protector."
3. **Brown:** A topographic surname, indicating someone who lived near a brown area, such as a moor or heath.
4. **Jones:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of John," derived from the Hebrew name "Yochanan," meaning "God is gracious."
5. **Miller:** An occupational surname, indicating someone who worked as a miller, grinding grain into flour.
6. **Davis:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of David," derived from the Hebrew name "David," meaning "beloved."
7. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname, meaning "one who works in a vineyard."
8. **Rodriguez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Rodrigo," derived from the Germanic name "Hrodric," meaning "famous ruler."
9. **Wilson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of William," derived from the Germanic name "Wilhelm," meaning "resolute protector."
10. **Moore:** A topographic surname, indicating someone who lived near a moor, a large area of open, uncultivated land.
11. **Taylor:** An occupational surname, indicating someone who worked as a tailor, making clothes.
12. **Anderson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Andrew," derived from the Greek name "Andreas," meaning "manly."
13. **Thomas:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Thomas," derived from the Aramaic name "T'oma," meaning "twin."
14. **Jackson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Jack," a diminutive form of the name John.
15. **White:** A descriptive surname, indicating someone with white hair or pale skin.
16. **Harris:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Harry," a diminutive form of the name Henry.
17. **Martin:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Martin," derived from the Latin name "Martinius," meaning "dedicated to Mars."
18. **Thompson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Thomas," derived from the Aramaic name "T'oma," meaning "twin."
19. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Martin," derived from the Latin name "Martinius," meaning "dedicated to Mars."
20. **Robinson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Robin," a diminutive form of the name Robert.
21. **Clark:** An occupational surname, indicating someone who worked as a clerk, a scribe or secretary.
22. **Lewis:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Louis," derived from the Germanic name "Hludwig," meaning "famous warrior."
23. **Lee:** A topographic surname, indicating someone who lived near a clearing or meadow.
24. **Walker:** An occupational surname, indicating someone who worked as a walker, a person who travelled on foot.
25. **Hall:** A topographic surname, indicating someone who lived near a hall, a large building.
26. **Allen:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Alan," derived from the Celtic name "Ailén," meaning "handsome."
27. **Young:** A descriptive surname, indicating someone who was young.
28. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Hernando," derived from the Germanic name "Ferdinand," meaning "brave defender."
29. **King:** An occupational surname, indicating someone who was a king.
30. **Wright:** An occupational surname, indicating someone who worked as a wright, a skilled craftsman.
31. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "wolf."
32. **Hill:** A topographic surname, indicating someone who lived near a hill.
33. **Scott:** A topographic surname, indicating someone who lived near a forest clearing.
34. **Green:** A descriptive surname, indicating someone with green hair or green clothing.
35. **Adams:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Adam," derived from the Hebrew name "Adam," meaning "man."
36. **Baker:** An occupational surname, indicating someone who worked as a baker, making bread.
37. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Gonzalo," derived from the Germanic name "Gundisal," meaning "battle-vigilant."
38. **Nelson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Neil," derived from the Irish name "Niall," meaning "champion."
39. **Carter:** An occupational surname, indicating someone who worked as a carter, a person who transported goods by cart.
40. **Mitchell:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Michael," derived from the Hebrew name "Micha'el," meaning "who is like God?"