Marriage and surnames: Banish ‘maiden’

Re: “Love, marriage and surnames” [May 27, Opinion]:

I’m glad Ko Im signed her unique title on her beginning certificates however dissatisfied that she referred to it as her “maiden title.” Utilizing the time period “maiden title” isn’t just condescending and sexist, however outdated. “Maiden title” implies that earlier than marriage, the lady was a “maiden” — chaste, ready for marriage. There are not any comparable phrases for single males indicating that they’re or had been ready for marriage.

As Im notes, an growing variety of ladies don’t change their names once they get married — about 20%, with one other 10% hyphenating or in any other case incorporating their unique title right into a blended final title.

“Authentic” title is a greater time period. “Delivery” title is sweet. “Single” title works. “Completely different” works in context.

Rena Grant, Seattle