I have a double-barrelled surname (courtesy of parents divorcing, and my own attempt at diplomacy), and I have never been more conscious of it than now. Living in Scotland with a name like 'Hamish', everyone expects me to be a native - then they hear my surname, and immediately feel the need to google me, find my clan, find out what on earth is going on with my name and where in the world I come from. How could a good Scottish name like Hamish be polluted with such a long, un-Scottish surname?

That being said, I am unique. If you do happen to google me, there is definitely only one me. In fact, my brother and I have become quite the identifiable pair due to our unusual surname. I don't mind it, and I like the individuality that comes with it. But I also groan every time someone new asks for my surname - after I finish spelling it out (usually to 'hmmms' of curiousity on their end), I usually feel the need to explain the name, to justify it. I still have no idea how I feel about this.

I have avoided thinking about what to do with my name when I marry. I realise that there is a chance that my partner might wish to take it on as her name (if she is given to such traditions), however I wouldn't wish it on her. Perhaps I could take on her name? I'm really not sure.

I was wondering how Jason felt about you choosing to retain your maiden name? I am extremely curious for entirely selfish reasons... And perhaps how your children feel about their names, if they are at an age where they have pondered about it at all?

I completely agree that complexity should be embraced, and through that individual identity can be forged. But I also worry about the implications of starting a family, whereby I will need to give consideration to how my complex name might effect them as well... Quite the conundrum!