Additional Coverage:
- I wanted to hyphenate my last names once married. I realized it’d be incredibly offensive. (businessinsider.com)
For a girl who always dreamed of a hyphenated last name, I ran into a slight snag when I got married last year. My maiden name, Khorey, is unique to my family.
I cherished its connection to my heritage – a blend of Slovak and Syrian cultures – and felt a responsibility to carry it forward. I also knew I wanted to take my husband’s name, Khanna, symbolizing our union and shared future.
Hyphenating seemed like the perfect compromise.
The problem? My first name is Katherine, with a K.
KK-K. Yeah, not ideal.
I realized this shortly after the wedding, while discussing name-change options with colleagues. The looks on their faces when I explained were priceless.
So, what’s a girl to do? I legally took my husband’s name, a decision that felt both right and meaningful. It honors our new family and the rich tapestry of cultures, races, and religions we represent – a mix that, ironically, wouldn’t exactly get a KKK stamp of approval.
Practically speaking, I’ve adopted a strategic approach to my name. Professionally, I go by Cassie Khanna (Khorey), maintaining my established identity while acknowledging the change.
My “C” initial saves me from any unfortunate monograms or awkward explanations. However, there are moments, like verifying my identity at the pharmacy, when the full Katherine Khorey Khanna roll call is unavoidable.
I usually offer a sympathetic “Wow, that’s unfortunate” to the poor soul reading it.
Ultimately, my name, in all its forms, represents who I am: a wife, a professional, and someone deeply connected to her family history. It’s a story of blended cultures and a slightly unusual naming predicament. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.