Sibyl just got married and has decided to blend her last name with her husband Paul's. She is now Sibyl Almonte de Cannella.
"It's a combination of who we are as a couple. I want to honor my husband as well, I think it sounds cute," said Almonte de Cannella.
One study showed that age is a factor. Ladies who married when they were 35 to 39 years old were 6.4 times more likely to keep their maiden names than women between the ages of 20 and 24. The folks at theknot.com say where you live also matters.
"86% of brides are still taking their husbands last names, going old school. That said, here in New York City, the number is only 51%," said Anja Winikka of theknot.com.
Part of that has to do with the fact that women here get married later in life, and so many times have worked longer.
The founder of reputation.com says that giving up your maiden name or even combining surnames can be a recipe for professional disaster. For example, imagine "Miss Piggy Frog" or say, someone who has published papers online.
"They may have 50 papers that have been published under 50 articles for a journalist under a maiden name. They may be giving that up if they decided to change their name online as well," warned Michael Fertik of reputation.com.
Heather Levine says "I do" in two weeks, and will stick with her maiden name professionally. However, to the rest of the world, she will be Heather Ajiashvili.
"It's part of his heritage, part of who he is, so that's one of the reasons I want to take it. It's also one of the reasons I love it and once you learn how to say it, it rolls off of your tongue," said Levine.
