What an interesting topic!
When I divorced 11 years ago, I had a name change for me written into the decree. I didn't want his last name any more since he didn't want me. I had 2 DDs by different fathers so their last names were not the same, (and one was married anyway). At 57 I didn't feel like taking up my maiden name again after all those years. And besides, MY maiden name was Janet Jackson! True! (**side story below)
So I legally dropped the "et" from my name, which I had hated for decades, chose a name from my maternal side and a name from my paternal side, put them together legally without a middle name, and it was done. Jan Bennett-Collier
It has caused me no end of problems over the years because way too many people can't read, pronounce, or use their thinkers......I get Jon Benet/Bennett Cou-li-ay, Mrs. Collier, Mrs. Bennett?, Mrs. uh-Bennett-uh.
Still, it's distinctive and the only name like it in the country, kinda fun!
**
In a class I was teaching 6 years ago, we were talking about name changes and I told the above story about mine. When I mentioned my maiden name, one of the young (late 20s!) women asked, "Oh! Were you named for her?!" :? :| :roll:
And these people vote!!
Jan in VA