Changing Last Name to Something More "Marketable" Forum

[Anonymous User]

I don't think this is ridiculous or weird. If you haven't had an impossible to pronounce or spell last name, then you don't get it. Really, people would just look at it and stutter, or just pause and were awkward like Ms. ......?!?!

Anyway, I cut the last 7 letters off my last name to make it simpler on myself and the rest of the world. And it's been just fine. Maybe that's a compromise that would work with your name?

OP here. Sorry, but I lost track of this thread a couple weeks ago (one of the consequences of starting an anonymous thread, I guess). The problem is that my name is not one that can be easily cut and is always butchered anyway. I am toying with the idea of using my mother's maiden name, because I always liked the name, it is easy to pronounce, and out of respect to keep my mother's maiden name alive seeing as how she was an only child and I was very close to my grandfather anyway.

Thanks for defending me. I just feel that when I want to become a solo practitioner, people will stutter when they search for attorneys online and move on to someone else...I have seen people do this before and am not surprised.

[Anonymous User]

Changing your name is weird. People will think you're weird when they find out. Nobody likes weirdos.

Your name is Mr. Pancakes. Pancakes are delicious, but people will think you're weird when they find out. Nobody likes weirdos.

[Anonymous User]

I don't think this is ridiculous or weird. If you haven't had an impossible to pronounce or spell last name, then you don't get it. Really, people would just look at it and stutter, or just pause and were awkward like Ms. ......?!?!

Anyway, I cut the last 7 letters off my last name to make it simpler on myself and the rest of the world. And it's been just fine. Maybe that's a compromise that would work with your name?

OP here. Sorry, but I lost track of this thread a couple weeks ago (one of the consequences of starting an anonymous thread, I guess). The problem is that my name is not one that can be easily cut and is always butchered anyway. I am toying with the idea of using my mother's maiden name, because I always liked the name, it is easy to pronounce, and out of respect to keep my mother's maiden name alive seeing as how she was an only child and I was very close to my grandfather anyway.

Thanks for defending me. I just feel that when I want to become a solo practitioner, people will stutter when they search for attorneys online and move on to someone else...I have seen people do this before and am not surprised.

I think taking your mom's maiden name sounds like a great idea. You get to keep the family connection, and make life easier on yourself. When people find out I changed my name they're like, it was so pretty before. And it's like, your name is Jane Smith, so your opinion means nothing to me. The only people I really discuss these things with are other foreigners.

Good luck!

[shoeshine]

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[Mr. Pancakes]

No one can pronounce my last name. But people asking me how pronounce it always leads to a question about its origin and a chance for me to tell my "diversity" story. I look like a minority on first glance but people often assume I am a certain race (which I am not) and the name conversation gives me a chance to talk about my actual heritage.

great point.

[Anonymous User]

I have two names that are both very unusual and obviously foreign. It led to lots of questions about my national origin and didn't seem to affect my employment prospects in the slightest. I got a job at a very traditional white shoe firm and had several similar offers. I really think it does not matter.