Why the funny surname?  I have a weird sounding surname.  Actually, it's two weird sounding surnames joined with a hyphen: Langmaid-Buttery.  They're both English surnames, slightly unusual ones, but that's another story.  This is about why I've chosen a hyphenated name (for now at least).

Hyphenated names have had ups and downs in popularity, but have always been a little 'out there' and ostentatious.  This is unfortunate for most of us who choose hyphenated names, as the choice is not usually motivated by any desire to be conspicuous.  My reasons for having a hyphenated name are much more practical, and based on idealistic notions of equality and stuff like that.

It's common in (I assume) most cultures for people to have a surname, last name or family name.  A couple of exceptions that come to mind are Cher and Madonna.  Oh, and the artist now known again as Prince.  Of course I don't know what their accountants put on their tax returns.  There are cultures where the family name comes first rather than last, (like my brother's Chinese name) and other cultures where the names are chosen differently or not used at all.

Surnames or family names are not something people tend to be concerned, worried about or obsessed with, unless like me, they happen to be obsessed with details and things being "right".  Mine's been an issue to me for a long time, and the whole idea of surnames and system of surnames is an issue for me, and something I am obsessed with, and certainly interested in.  I'll tell you why.

It's because I'm a woman (and possibly a bit of a drama queen).

Read more: Hyphenated Names