I decided in high school, after finally getting my signature to a state of calligraphic excellence, that it was a sign this name was truly mine and I would never lose my last name.
However, as a huge fan of historical record keeping and genealogical efficiency, and out of solidarity with my very-soon-to-be husband, I would like to have his last name as well.
I am now faced with imminent marriage and the simultaneous publishing of my first science journal article, and must decide how I will define myself professionally. This decision has seen weeks of emotional turmoil though the obvious solution, simple and logical, took a while to sit right.
As a research scientist, I want to be identifiable and easily associated with my work. My maiden name is so Ellis Island-unique that there is not another soul on earth who has it to whom I am not related. I would like to continue being affiliated with my clan (read: my clan is notoriously and hazardously crazy, and it is not so much the affiliation to them as to my father, and to honor my parents, that is a strong need). My fiance's last name is strong, but ever-so-common.
This is the obvious and logical decision:
Legally: Maiden HisLast
Socially: HisLast
Professionally: Maiden
My point of contention has been whether or not to use both of our names in publications. If my pen name is solely my maiden name, I am ignoring his profound role in my accomplishments (read: without such support and enthusiasm for my own ambition and ardor, my productivity would certainly be less colorful). However, if I use both of our names professionally, the uniqueness of my maiden name is countered by the addition of his common one.
Does it make a name less strong to have two parts? In terms of identity, I don't think so. But in terms of a pen name, it does help them to compliment one another: our last names do not compliment one another. This clash is the caveat. Perhaps it is mostly because I am new to the idea, or perhaps it is because (as an amateur script editor for a film maker) I know that a character's name is strongest and most memorable when it does not trail on being degraded by mumbling as a telomere by replication.
Ultimately, the name is mine and if at least part of it is memorable in publication, then I am satisfied. And if we have children along the line, they will take his name, because history has enough obstacles to accuracy without having to negotiate when names were anagramed, traded or ultra-hyphenated. Therefore:
Legally: Maiden HisLast
Socially: HisLast
Professionally: Maiden HisLast
However!
At this point in the rationale, the fiance himself finally feels it appropriate to chime in again. His original wish was that I take his name. However, his evolved stance is that anyone who knows me well enough on a social/personal level for me to care will know me as Mrs HisLast or Dr Maiden. Therefore, rather than have my pen name be Maiden HisLast, he votes for the original scenario of a solitary, solid last professional name. Therefore, the final consensus is:
Legally: Maiden HisLast
Socially: HisLast
Professionally: Maiden
Thanks for this post. I am a graduate student in neuroscience and went through the exact same thing and came to the exact same conclusion. My feeling was that there would less confusion if I kept publishing with the same name. For instance, I remember quite clearly wondering if Dr. Overstreet (2004) was the same as Dr. Overstreet-Wadiche (2005). Obviously, it likely was the same person. However, while I think it is wonderful that she uses that name, I want people to be able to very easily follow my work and not think I didn't accomplish anything before June 2012 (when my husband and I were married). Just some of my thoughts on how I came to the decision to use my maiden name as my professional name.
ReplyDeleteNice to meet you, Miss A -- and congratulations on your very recent marriage! I do have the occasional regret about the loss of the public identity in my maiden name, but they are brief and more like reminiscences about uniqueness. If the academic publishing system every becomes more accommodating, I will probably add my maiden name back in there. But for now, it's strong and it works :)
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to you in school and in your marriage!