On changing one's name

[MacBean]

Mitochondria are passed directly from the mother, they stop on the male side. i.e. You won't pass yours on, and your father didn't pass his on. Scientifically it makes sense to carry on your maternal name. oh, I got this useless piece of information in the first $8,000.

Well, for another $8,000 (or a nickel to me), you carry basically the same Y-chromosomal material as Adam in the garden of Eden, as that is passed down the male line exclusively. This is the basis of genetic genealogy. True, recombination and mutation have altered the Y chromosome over time, but because this is the archtypal gender-determining chromosome, changes are not often viable, so the gene sequence is relatively stable. The neat thing for men is that this should track your surname nicely. On the other hand, besides testosterone (and hairy ears), it isn't completely clear what the Y chromosome encodes for.

[Coinneach]

You've been thinking about it quite a bit. I see no reason not to do it if you want to. My cousin's sons all from the same father have different surnames.

Son 1's surname = father's surname-mother's surname
Son 2's surname = father's surname
Son 3's surname = maternal grandmother's maiden name

Son 3 had a similar relationship with his father as you described and had always felt closer to his mother's (and my) side of the family. So he changed his name. Since then, he and his father have improved their relationship. But he likes his name.

Genealogically, it looks funny, but each individual is happy with his choice.