ABSTRACT
The norm of name changing in Britain continues to manage societal relationships and organisation. First, names are both a part of and reflect systems, and systems reflect ideas and ideals. A particular, socially constructed system of name taking and sharing prevails. The ‘one name’ in families could after all be the woman’s or a completely new name made up by couples on marrying. Instead the name is the man’s name and this reflects the gendered hierarchy within the institution of marriage. I would argue that the fact the naming norm continues to be so powerful is a part of deep-rooted gendered inequality which continues to exist within British society. The naming norm is a symbol of this inequality and is difficult to erode due to the depth with which these convictions are held.
