The process of reverting to a birth-given surname, often undertaken after a divorce or the dissolution of a marriage, involves legal and administrative procedures to officially record the desired name change. This action effectively restores an individual’s pre-marriage identity on official documents. For example, an individual named Sarah Miller who married John Davis and took the name Sarah Davis might later choose to revert to Sarah Miller.
Retaining or reclaiming one’s original surname offers a connection to personal history, family lineage, and pre-marital identity. This choice can simplify professional branding and reduce potential confusion in personal and business contexts. Historically, surname changes upon marriage were commonplace, but contemporary society increasingly recognizes individual autonomy in naming decisions. Reclaiming a maiden name can be an important step in re-establishing independence and personal identity following significant life changes.