Name change - half way house...?

If I were further along in my career this is probably what I would do. I'm in my final year of a PhD and I haven't published anything (yet! A paper has been submitted but I have heard back ...). So even if this miraculously gets published before July, it's only one paper.

If I was 10/20 years down the line and had made a name for myself in my research field (here's to wishful thinking) then I would most certainly keep my maiden name for all professional correspondnce. I'm just not that successful so don't have much to lose by taking Oh's name 100% time.

A lot of female doctors and academics do this. It wasn't worth the hassle for me of remembering who knew me by which name and maintaining two signatures/sets of ID etc, but plenty do it. You just have to work out how to make sure people are aware of the situation. I know on passports you can get a note added which says "also known as ...." but I don't know what else you can do this for.

I'm happy socially for people to refer to me by my married name but as an academic who has published a bit I couldn't dream of changing my name at work. What I would suggest is that you contact HR and talk through with them what the implications will be. It may be that it's easier to keep a bank account in your maiden name, particularly if you were ever to change jobs, or that might be nonsense and not make a difference!

My cousin did this because she is a chiropractor and already had a patient base. I'm thinking of going by both names professionally for at least awhile. I am not fully established here professionally but I do feel like I have some relationships with clients and external colleagues which makes me want to use my maiden name. I am thinking of going by (as an example only - not my names) - Lisa Martin McConnell - professionally and just Lisa McConnell personally. Eventually I will probably phase out my maiden name but I still like the idea of using it.

I am a performer so have to apply to Equity to be allowed to use ANY name - couldn't use my maiden name so have already had to change it to my mum's maiden name (which is much more interesting anyway!) so will continue to use it professionally even after I become a Mrs. Bank etc. are all in my real name so when I have to add a third one to the mix, things could get confusing!

Thanks all - I'm pleased I'm not the only one who has considered this. You've confirmed to me that I'm not mad to want to do it this way and to juts deal with the procedural issues as and when they arise!

Mind you, I'm not nearly as clever or important as you lot ?

Cheers, all ?

Changing my surname as well. Anyone have frineds that are against you changing your name? I am proud to change my name after our wedding with a name change petition (download here). Are we living in a society that forbids this tradition or is it because of today's divorce rate versus our parent's time?

Double check with payroll. Ours doesn't actually use name as any reference so it wouldn't matter!

I am planning to do this, I really wanted to take my H2B name but I am making a bit of a name for myself professionally, so I think keeping my maiden name in business is my preference. It will be on all my business cards, etc. but everything else will change including bank accounts and therefore payroll. Fortunately I don’t travel for work so my passport is not an issue.

One issue I have considered is the need to have two different signatures, so I think when I marry I will drop my second name all together from my signature and just sign my first name, I’ve not found anything to suggest I can’t do this, but has anyone else considered this?

I'm thinking of doing this! To be honest, changing my name for work is total no-no for me. I haven't built up much of a reputation or anything but my name is unusual and memorable and that's good for someone who writes for a living. As for personal stuff, taking his name is something I'm mulling over.

My aunt has a very successful business under her maiden name, but her personal life is all under her married name. All seems to work fine!

I will probably keep my maiden name at work - I work in a large organisation where a lot of people know me by name but not face so it would end up causing massive confusion! Plus my nickname is based on my surname so I don't want to let it go completely!

I am, i cant really change it for work, for the last 5 years customers recognise me for my name first before my business name. I am an artist so I think a name really 'sticks' in art

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