Name change is the legal act by a person of adopting a new name different from their current name.
The procedures and ease of a name change vary between jurisdictions. In general, common law jurisdictions have looser procedures for a name change while civil law jurisdictions are more restrictive. While some civil law jurisdictions have loosened procedures, a few remain complicated.
A pseudonym is a name used in addition to the original or true name. This does not require legal sanction. Pseudonyms are generally adopted to conceal a person's identity, but may also be used for personal, social or ideological reasons.[1]