I never really liked my given name, no real reason - I just didn't feel it suited me.
So for my first name, I use a shortened version of my full name in all correspondence, including at work, apart from booking flights where I have to use my passport.
Second name, I changed my name when I got married to my husbands which I really like.
It feels so much more me.
If you wanted to change your name, you can just ask friends and work to call you by a different name. You'd be surprised how many people use a completely different first name to their given one.
In the UK you can change your name easily by deed-poll. (I don't know how easy it is in other countries).
I have to say a bit of anonimity on the web is possible a safe idea. My name is unique as far as I can tell so I prefer to be more anonymous. It would be different if I had a more common name such as John Smith and wasn't likely to find myself and all my opinions at the no1 spot for my name in google! |