How can one change their name?

Question

My friend is from Asia, and her name is difficult to pronounce. She is thinking that maybe she will change her first name.

I have heard many from Japan just pick a nick-name and go with that? What do you think?

Answer 1

In America, it is perfectly legal to use just about any name you like for most purposes, as long as you aren't trying to avoid debts or steal someone else's identity or the like. So the option you mention of just using a different name is certainly doable. Up to a point.

That point ends for most things that require some kind of legal documentation. While some people have managed to get driver's licences and credit cards under assumed names, employers may prefer to use your legal name and your passport is certainly going to be in that name. So there is something to be said for having your name legally changed as well.

Getting your name legally changed is neither particularly difficult nor expensive. You need to go to the local courthouse that serves the area where you live, fill out a few forms, and then appear before a judge and explain to him why you want your name legally changed. Generally, as long as you're not trying to break the law or cause trouble, he grants your application, charges you in the neighborhood of fifty bucks, and provides you with a legal document proving that your name is now whatever it is you wanted it to be. When I did this, it didn't take much longer than a couple of hours.

Of course, the same limitations for naming will apply, so if there are situations where you would prefer to be called by your old name, that's still okay too. Except, again, probably passports and employers. And good luck getting your friends to call you anything else - speaking from experience, some are probably going to be too stubborn to call you anything other than what they always called you.

Whatever your friend decides, wish her luck for me!

Answer 2

I don't think it is not unfair to use a nickname but still when she have to fill doctor's or any kind of legal papers she will have to use her real name. so suggest she go throw the legal process. and that way she want get into any kind of leg ale preambles.