Two or three generations ago, the only women who did not take their husbands' names after marrying were movie stars and a handful of professional women. Today, many women choose to retain their maiden names, so as not to lose identity with their families of origin. Husbands and wives also combine their names. I know one person who refers to these couples as "the hyphenated families."

Some couples even become creative, combining syllables of both surnames in order to form an entirely new name. Children who are adopted take their new family's last name. Regardless of the reason for acquiring a new name, it usually implies a change in our circumstances or status.

We are also known by the names of what we do to earn a living, and where we belong. Teacher, salesperson, truck driver, coach, nu…