PUBLIC PERCEPTION REGARDING THE FORMS OF MARRIED WOMEN'S SURNAMES.

Until the 13th century Lithuanians were called only by their name. Later the person's position, craft, name of their place of origin, owners or family ties, father's (rarely brother's) name were started next to the first name. Women's surnames in Lithuania are formed according to the surname of the father (for unmarried women) or of the husband (for married women). Until 2003 the surnames of married women were traditionally formed with the suffix - ienė. However, in 2003, after the legalization of non-suffixed surnames of married women in Lithuania, many disagreements arose. The aim of this study is to find out the attitudes of women of all ages towards suffix and nonsuffix surnames. The survey was used for this purpose; the survey had 500 responders between the ages of 13 and 61. According to the survey data, the surname of older women is more often used to follow traditions, emphasize their ethnic identity, belonging to a certain social construct, so they often choose last names with suffixes. For younger women, the surname becomes a means of self-expression, they value the sound of the surname more and are less likely to delve into other possible reasons for choice, such as traditions, clarity of status, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]