Bound By Love, Not Tradition

What should you do with your last name at marriage? If you're unsure, you're not alone. In fact, 80% of American women still take their husband's name—even though the law no longer requires it.

Whether you're a first- or second-time bride, a relative of a bride, or simply curious, this book gives you a fresh, empowering take on a decision that's both deeply personal and culturally complex.

Author Melania Joy Murphy blends history, personal stories, and expert insight to help you explore all your options—keeping your name, changing it, hyphenating, blending, or asking him to take yours.

Through her SELF framework—Significance, Empowerment, Legacy, and Freedom—you’ll learn how to navigate your decision with confidence and compassion by exploring questions like:

• What is the significance of your name in your life and personal story?
• Do you feel empowered to put yourself first and ask for what you want?
• What legacy do you wish to create with your name?
• Can you enjoy the freedom to choose what feels right for you? 

This isn't just about paperwork. It's about identity, relationships, and claiming the space you deserve in your marriage and in society. No shame. No judgment. Just support for choosing what’s right for you.

Melania is a writer, speaker, and author. With a degree in applied behavioral science, she enjoys blending storytelling with research to explore identity, relationships, and the traditions that shape our choices. Her articles appear in national publications and she’s frequently a guest on podcasts discussing the deeply personal and culturally complex topic of married name choices.