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Situation surrounding my question: My Abu bacame muslim before he had any of his children.  He changed his entire name, including his last name.  May Allah forgive him and have mercy on him and not take him to account for what he did not know.  Aameen.  He changed his name in order to take a "muslim" last name.  My Abu, may Allah have mercy on him, has since passed away.  He had two daughters with his first wife before he changed his name, so they have the family name (i.e. his father's last name).  With my Umm he had myself and two sons.  We have the last name which he chose for himself.  Now one of my brothers has five children and all of them have the last name which my Abu, may Allah have mercy on him and give him Jannah, chose for himself.  My younger brother's wife is expecting this year. Also, the situation is the same with my husbands father (he is living walhamdulillaah) who became muslim and changed his last name to something other than his father's name.  He then gave his children the name he chose for himself.  So my daughter has a name other than the family name.  Also, I am expecting and I hope to get these answers before my child and my younger brother's child are born, in order that we can rectify this situation and give our children the names that are correct. From what I have read I believe it to be impermissible to change your name to other than that of your father's. QUESTION # 1 Is the above assumption (i.e that it is not permissible to change your last name from your father's last name)correct? Based on my belief that this act is impermissible and is of a serious nature I have the following questions. Question # 2 Should we, my Abu's children, correct his mistake by changing our last name back to that of our family name and giving the children the family name? Question # 3 If we change our last name will it be as if we are taking a name other than that of our father's name? Question # 4 If we keep our name is it perpetuating sin and will this harm my Abu, may Allah have mercy on him and raise his status, Aameen.? Question # 5 How should my husband and I advise my father-in-law, concerning his name? These question have been bothering me for a time now so much so that I am afraid to write my last name.  So who ever can give me some ease in this situation and remove this burden from me then may Allah remove a burden from you on Yawmul-Qiyaamah. Please those who are able please forward this question to the 'ulama of ahlus-sunnah and may Allah reward you with khayr. I desire authentic proofs for with them comes clarity and ease. Also, know that this situation is a common one and you will not only be aiding this particular situation but you will be aiding many muslims. I hope the question is clear and if you need any clarification just write me and I will get back to you quickly, Insha'Allah. Your sister in Islaam