Elson Neale surname

[Mancunian194]

I have a question about the use of surnames. Mary Neale was born in 1843 in Whittington, Staffs, to Ann Neale (Ann was b:1820 and baptised 3rd Nov 1820). Ann subsequently married Charles Elson on 16th Jun 1845. The 1851 census lists Mary as Charles’ illegitimate daughter.

Mary married John Hardman on 12th September 1864 at Saint Martin, Birmingham. The marriage registration names Mary as Mary Elson Neale and her father as Charles Elson Neale.

Unless Mary and Charles really are not my Mary Neale and Charles Elson (although I can't find anyone called Charles Elson Neale), I can understand Mary including 'Elson' but why would Charles tack Neale on to the end of his name just for the marriage; he didn't in the census?

[Milliepede]

I suspect she probably wanted her fathers name to match hers exactly 

[Mancunian194]

Yeh, I wondered if it was a bit of face saving.

[jim1]

It's quite a common occurrence particularly with daughters. It's all about thinking of something believable to put on the cert.