I didn't take DH's name when we married. Bub will have my surname.

The reasoning:

1. Why not? (This is probably the strongest reason for us);
2. DH's surname is really bad. It's got "Nut" in it. 'Nuff said;
3. DH's family is huge and male-dominated. Mine is female-dominated and end-of-the-line. This of itself was not something we were worried about in that our kids can choose what to name their own children, but it was a consideration anyway;
4. I like my name. It's part of my identity. So again, why shouldn't my kids have my name?

I feel quite good about Aristotle having my name, quite proud and happy. But it was originally DH's idea anyway. If he hadn't wanted it then we'd be having long discussions about what to do - because neither of us wanted to hyphenate.

I have asked DH if he wants Aristotle to have his (DH's) first name as his middle name. DH is thinking about it. I wouldn't mind if he wanted his surname as Aristotle's middle name, but he's not keen. Again...it's got "Nut" in it...

Catherine Deveny (Opinion write for The Age) wrote an Opinion piece on this issue a week ago. It was called "Named and Shamed" or something. It was interesting (and emotive and inflammatory, in true Catherine-style). (ETA the article is here: http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/nam...0223-p0ty.html )

Good luck deciding!