In a move that redefines a centuries-old tradition, Brooklyn Beckham has inadvertently become a figurehead for a growing trend in modern marriages. By choosing to become Brooklyn Peltz Beckham after his 2022 wedding to actress Nicola Peltz, he has highlighted an increasingly popular and egalitarian approach to surnames.
A Modern Take on Marital Identity
This practice moves away from the conventional expectation for a bride to solely adopt her husband's name. Instead, both partners incorporate each other's surnames, creating a shared, double-barrelled identity. It's seen as a modern, equal, and refreshing alternative, signalling a partnership of equals from the outset.
The trend appears to be gaining influential followers. Olympic champion swimmer Adam Peaty recently followed suit after marrying Holly Ramsay, daughter of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. He is now known as Adam Ramsay Peaty. While family dynamics—such as the reported absence of both the Beckham and Peaty parents from their sons' respective ceremonies—may play a role, the outcome champions a progressive shift in personal identity.
Historical Context and a New Wave
While double-barrelling is not new—it dates back to the 15th century as a means to preserve family lineage and saw a rise with second-wave feminism in the 1970s—the current wave is distinct. Historically, it was typically wives who undertook the administrative change. Now, men are actively participating, making the act a mutual commitment rather than a one-sided sacrifice.
This evolution reflects a broader societal move towards equality within relationships. It transforms the surname from a symbol of ownership or loss into a shared emblem of unity. As journalist Polly Hudson notes, it sets a powerful intention for compromise and partnership from the very beginning of a marriage.
The Future of Family Names
If this trend continues to become the norm, it could eventually replace the outdated expectation for women to forfeit their family names. However, it does raise a humorous, logistical question for future generations: what happens when two people with double-barrelled surnames marry and choose to combine them further? The morning school register might become a lengthy affair.
Nevertheless, the actions of figures like Brooklyn Peltz Beckham and Adam Ramsay Peaty are significant. They demonstrate that progress in personal and social conventions can come from unexpected places, helping to normalise a choice that places equality at the heart of marital identity.
