The Significance of a Mother's Maiden Name: Why Women Keep It. The mother's maiden name is the last name she's had her whole life, typically the family name of her father which was given to her at birth. ... Identity: Changing one's last name can feel like you're changing your identity.

What is the use of maiden name?

: the surname prior to marriage of a person who takes their spouse's last name especially : the surname of a married or divorced woman prior to marriage After she divorced, she took back her maiden name.

Why do they ask for mothers maiden name?

If any miscreant finds out someone's user ID or debit/credit card, she may try to misuse it and may even try to generate a fresh set of passwords or change the address, etc. To prevent this, security measures are taken while such a request is being made and mother's maiden name is one of them.