In a message dated 1/4/2006 11:38:56 PM Pacific Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Indeed. My daughter was Christened Marja-Liisa after her mother's favorite sister. We called her Miku as a baby. The name stuck. About five years ago she changed her name, officially, to Miku. There is no Deed Poll in Finland -- a visit to the local registration (or Church) office to fill in a form is all that need be done. Miku is now a 'real' name.
Don ========= Cool. Much tougher process here, one has to go to court to change one's name. I debated doing this years ago, but it seemed like too much trouble. Marnie isn't my real name (and no it's not Margaret either, not saying), but I have it on my bank accounts. In the bank records I have it as aka (also known as) my real name. And I use Marnie elsewhere too, like on credit cards. I've been told that it's perfectly legal to use a "nickname" everywhere as long as there is no intent to defraud. So the only place I seem to have to use my real name is when the social security number is relevant. Such as paying taxes, doctors' offices, and college. Then I just tell doctors/teachers I won't respond to my real name and to call me Marnie. Works fine. :-) I am a firm believer in personal renaming. Marnie aka Doe
