Three-quarters of married couples in Austria have taken the husband’s surname since marriage. Less than ten percent of married people choose the wife’s last name. Nearly nine percent each keep their own surname and four percent have a double name.
According to the representative survey*, more than six in ten Austrians have been married at least once. 44 percent say they are married, which equates to about three million people.
45 percent are currently married and six percent are divorced
In Austria, every second person between the ages of 30 and 39 is already married. Of these, 45 percent are currently married and six percent are divorced. There is an age difference when choosing a surname: couples under the age of 30 are more likely than average to keep their own surname after their marriage (15 percent) or adopt a double name (17 percent).
When asked what was decisive for the choice of name in their current marriage, a third of respondents answered that it strengthened their sense of togetherness as a couple. Three in ten indicate that their motivation is that all (future) family members should have the same name.
In third place is (family) tradition (28 percent). “Once children are involved, the choice of surname becomes even more important for many, which should be discussed honestly and openly beforehand,” says Parship psychologist Caroline Erb.
*The population-representative survey was conducted by Marketagent.com on behalf of the online dating agency Parship.at. From November 29 to December 9, 2023, 1,510 internet-active people between the ages of 18 and 75 were interviewed, of whom 718 were in a relationship or (re)married.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
