Why maiden names matter in the age of AI and identity

IN THE DIGITAL AGE, A NAME IS MORE THAN JUST A label. It's tied to our professional history and social media presence.

- SHELLEY ZALIS

It's also how we are recognized by AI algorithms. Many traditions dictate that a woman change her surname upon marriage-but when she does so, she often loses data continuity across systems that rely heavily on name recognition. Platforms like job applications, academic records, and social media accounts often fail to connect the dots between the old and new names. For instance, a woman who has built a successful career under her maiden name might find that AI systems struggle to link her past achievements with her new surname. Years of hard work and success may suddenly become invisible in the eyes of a machine.

The Female Quotient partnered with the Knot and SmithGeiger on a revealing research report. It found that while 77% of married American women still take their partner's last name, only 64% of unmarried women plan to follow this tradition when they marry.