What is a maiden name?

A maiden name is the surname a woman is given at birth and typically uses until she gets married and changes it to her husband's surname. In some cultures, women may choose to keep their maiden name even after marriage, or hyphenate their surname with their husband's. Maiden names are important for genealogical and historical research, as they can help trace family lineages and connections. In legal documents, a woman may be asked to provide her maiden name for purposes of identification.