I do know there are like 5 other Jason Ruels out there. I thought it would be an uncommon name, but it's more common than I thought LOL

I like the way D'Silva sounds together with Lauren, it's pretty. And I love what it means - I didn't know it was "of the woods" - that really does suit you I'm very happy for you. I know what it feels like to have a name that doesn't fit. I'm so happy with my married name, and if I see my old maiden name written down anywhere it doesn't feel like it belongs to me at all. Unfortunately my nickname doesn't really go with my surname, otherwise I would be permanently Elle Neal. Too many Ls in there though. But for my professional writing the S breaks it up and I like the way it looks.

I like the way Elle Neal sounds actually.

Jase Ruel (RULE) doesn't sound so well. People always have trouble pronouncing my last name. It's been a hassle from day one. I have never actually liked it because of who it was associated with LOL

I was thinking about somthing like Ruiz Gonzalez, or something other than RUEL

Wow, it's 200 to legally change my name. So if I want to change my surname and first name it's 200. So I better do it at the same time ;0)

I am thinking Jase Denton-Blogg or possibly using Denton as my middle name. or possibly Isadore.

Thanks Elle, it does feel a bit softer & less strident than Ravenstar! I know what you mean about too many Ls. My married initials are LL, so I always put my middle S in when I sign anything...that's going to be a habit to get out of!

Oddly my Jewish maiden name meant Goldleaf translated into English- I think the tree connection has been there form the start- not to mention silver & gold

Jase you are missing the obvious transformation- add an s

Jase Ruels (and may he do so for a long time to come!)

But if you really want a big change I'd leave the Blogg bit out unless you have a big personal attachment to the name. I like Denton.

Lauren, I think your new name sounds beautiful with your first name. Excellent choice. In keeping with the gnu me, I have been thinking about changing my name. However, I looked my name up on the internet, and no one with my name exists in the United States. I think it's pretty cool that I don't really exist, so I reckon for now I will stay just the way I am.

Blogg is my original last name before it was changed to Ruel. but Denton is my mothers maiden name. I have a strong tie to my mother. She was my best friend... and I had trouble accepting her death.

Ruels would be weird LOL I already have heard all the Rule jokes.

A very jewish spelling is Ruehl.

Jase -

Check the details of IL law. You may not have to pay to have your name changed on your driver's license or state ID and Social Security card and once you have those, it's pretty easy to get everything else changed (except perhaps some trade licenses.) I believe the INS is the only organization that requires paperwork to explain why your drivers license doesn't match your birth certificate. (Hence the legal name change.) I know you can under Oregon law, because that's how my sister did it initially. (Then she married a foreign national and had to legally change her name to deal with the INS.)

Good luck,

Julie

yeah.. i have to go in front of a judge to change my name in IL. It's a filing fee of 200

if we are changing names for state documents we have to have the legal papers because I cannot do business under a different name than what is my legal one.

not so bad ;0)

Thanks Jase

It does make sense if you're wanting to reclaim a name that identifies a part of you, as you said with your mother's maiden name and your original surname. Maybe you need to "wear" it for a while and see how it feels. Gets a bit trickier though once you start building up an identity under "Jason Ruel" for your public speaking, especially if you have to use that for business purposes.