A bit of a personal note:
I have been slowly altering my name recently. Some people asked:
“What is your Real name?”
Seems a bit strange, in my mind.
Given a few clues, the questions seem to imagine Real as a combination of whatever my parents decided to call me initially, and might be written in state approved documents.
So?
Nothing, just seems curious to check name giving – and perceiving – in different cultures, times and situations?
Perhaps there are new things that will emerge through the connections?
The design of forms and other internet elements – with name tradition variety in mind?
A view of the evolving name giving practices in afro american communities?
A few – random? – naming traditions?
A few naming laws..