As I understand the custom, the family name of the married couple is the
family name of the person whose family has the higher social caste. In
modern days, this is modified by what each couple brings to the
marriage.

If Nodoka's family had the higher social caste, or Nodoka had brought a
huge dowry to the marriage while Genma brought little or nothing
(knowing Genma, most likely both), then it would be possible that
Saotome is Nodoka's family.

Should Akane and Ranma marry, then in all liklihood their family name
would be Tendo, because Akane would have the dojo as a dowry while Ranma
would have nothing.

A Ranma/Ukyo pairing, in all liklihood, would be Saotome because of the
huge 'classical' social difference (Samurai lineage and cook), despite
the dowry.

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Jack Staik
Property of Jillian
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