[Mamzelle]

So, we could name our kids Vanderbilt if we wanted? Why keep one's family name at all, when it comes down to it, just pick out any old last name that appeals to the caprice of the moment...

If I wanted to legally change my name, it'd take a little more than the will to do so.

Makes little sense. Why couldn't any woman with a paternity claim name her kid after the defending male, whether he did the "fathering", or not? It gives her quite a moral advantage until the DNA result comes in. Does the innocent male have any recourse, I wonder, at finding his name so used?

I guess you're saying that it is only convention, nothing legal, in "handing down a name."

[monday]

"If I wanted to legally change my name, it'd take a little more than the will to do so."

A court order, and some forms to fill out at the post office, the dept. of motor vehicles, IRS, SS admin., etc. Not easy, but can be done, and is done regularly for all sorts of reasons.

" I guess you're saying that it is only convention, nothing legal, in "handing down a name."

yes