Changing your family name

Israel
April 24, 2026 4:00am CST
Since my husband died three years ago, I have been increasingly uncomfortable in using his last name. When he came to Israel, he chose the name Orbach from his maternal grandmother. Usually people use the name from their father. But he must have been very close to her to take her last name. We did not have a good marriage, and I don't feel anything emotionally about the name that he chose. I would like to change it I am trying out different last names. My name now is very common and there are at least four other women who have my exact name, first and last names. I would like to have a name that is more unique. Yes, it would be a bit expensive to change my name, I would have to pay in Israel, to get new ID's and new passports in both countries. But maybe emotional peace of mind is worth it. What would you do?
5 people like this
5 responses
24 Apr
" But maybe emotional peace of mind is worth it." Do it. I would Emotional peace of mind is worth it.
@LadyDuck (499950)
• Italy
24 Apr
If you do not feel comfortable keeping your husband's name I would change.
@AmbiePam (118522)
• United States
24 Apr
It seems like a big task I wouldn’t bother with, but I’ve never been married. Whereas, my best friend was more than eager to change her last name when she got divorced. If you feel you would be happier with a different last name I really hope you succeed.
@toniganzon (76913)
• Philippines
24 Apr
If there's an option to change names, I would do it instantly.
@Wrexxo (1006)
24 Apr
If it gives you peace of emotional peace, then it'd be great to go for it