What's in a name?

I'm glad that I'm not the only one a bit conflicted about changing my name. As I'd always wanted to keep my last name for sentimental reasons (and it's short, easy to spell and goes well with my first name).

However, after saying talking with my other half I realised that it meant a lot to him for me to change my name (and it'd be awkward at miltary events to explain that no I'm not Mrs X). If his name was one I liked I wouldn't mind just taking it, but with my first name it makes me sound like a 65 year old geography teacher (my current name is like that of a 24 year old art teacher).

He doesn't want to take my name as he has the same first name as my brother, so they'd have the same first and last name!

I'm erring towards double barreling it, but having his name first, mine last then day to day I could still go by my name. I am hoping he'll come round to the idea of double barrelling it too (he's said any future kids could double barrell it)

I'm really glad I found this thread as this is the one aspect of getting married that I'm undecided on. I always thought I would know what I would want to do regarding surnames when I got engaged - now that it's happened I'm just not sure! It's interesting and helpful to read others' experiences.

My surname is very common, my fiance's isn't. He's also an only child and literally the last chance for the family name to get passed on. My first name and his surname would sound lovely together, but I just don't think I can imagine losing that part of my identity because it's the 'done thing', and I personally don't feel comfortable with where the tradition came from. ( No offence intended to any ladies who do chose to take their fiance's surname - it's an individual choice, whatever each person is happiest with. ? )

At the moment I think I'm leaning towards hyphenating our names. They flow quite well together, with his first sounding the best. I like what a previous poster said about it being romantic and symbolic of the marriage. I would only hyphenate if he did as well. He's going to think about what he feels on changing his name to the double barrel, and he's very supportive of me doing whatever I'm happiest with my surname if I decide not to go for that.

I'm hoping I will have made a firm decision nearer the time, but a couple of friends have offered an alternative if I haven't. They've suggested just keeping my surname if I'm still not sure, and then if I felt the need to change it later on (for example my fiance and I would like us all to have the same name if we had children) then I could do so by deed poll.

It's nice to have options!