Changing your name is a big decision. Your name is something you’ve carried with you from birth. It’s what most people in your life probably know you as. However, changing your name, even if you’re as far along as being a college student, could be an amazing opportunity for you. In fact, it could change your life for the better, depending on your situation and your reasons for making the change. You might be scared to do it, but once you factor in the benefits, and the usual costs to change your name in California, it might make a lot of sense. Here’s why. 

You Have Made Mistakes in the Past

Let’s face it - we all do dumb things when we’re young. However, for some people those mistakes are more serious than others. They might have gotten you arrested, or your name in the paper if you were legally an adult. The problem is, even if your offense didn’t hurt anyone or wasn’t all that serious, it can still look bad when you search for jobs, or if you don’t want others at your current school to know about it. 

Nowadays, everything is online, which means it is forever. Many employers do internet and social media searches on prospective employees to see what they can find out that wouldn't be disclosed at an interview. If they find anything that raises eyebrows about you, then you might lose that opportunity. A legal name change will help you avoid those pitfalls, and will help you move on with your new, hopefully mistake-free life. 

To Move Past Toxic Relationships

A shocking number of people are stalked every year. This goes for men and for women. In high school, relationships can be intense, and sometimes people can hold on too tightly when things end. Going off to college is a big reason why high school sweethearts break up. One half of that pair may continue to be infatuated with the other, and their behavior, from calling, to emailing, or even showing up unannounced, could be seen as illegal harassment or worse. This can happen with relationships of any age in fact, including ones in college.

If you have someone who may be intent on tracking you down after you’ve moved on with your life, then it can be very scary. Even if it’s not frightening, it may be uncomfortable, inconvenient, and annoying. A legal name change can offer you some protection against those actions. It would be harder to look up your contact information by name, and they would need to find out from family or friends how to get in touch with you. As long as your circle knows that you do not want to be contacted by them, you can live your life without having to fear an unexpected visitor or unwanted contact. 

To Be Distinctive From Someone Else With a Famous Name

In a famous movie, a character named Michael Bolton refused to change his name because he said the singer is the one who’s terrible, and not him. The truth is, you don’t have to take this stance. In reality, if you have the same name as someone famous, such as Brad Pitt, Michael Jordan, or Jennifer Lawrence, then you probably aren’t escaping the discomfort of having people ask you every day if you are related to them, or if you like their movies or music. 

It’s even worse if you are going into the same field as your namesake. For instance, if you are a singer, then you might want to change your name if it’s Adele, or Kelly Clarkson. If you’re going into acting, then you may have to change your name if it’s the same as someone else who is in the same acting union. Changing it legally will prevent confusion as your career moves on.

A name change might also be important if you have the same name as someone in your field who is highly regarded, but not necessarily famous. If you go into research, and a very well-known scientist has the same name, then you can avoid being mistaken for that person, and vice versa. If the person who preceded you happens to be a parent or family member, a legal name change can help you differentiate yourself from them and avoid unreasonable comparisons or expectations. 

Changing your name is not an easy decision. However, under specific circumstances, such as the ones mentioned above, it can absolutely change your life for the better. If you are in a situation where you think that your name is holding you back or will cause issues after you graduate from college, then taking the leap might be in your best interest. Just make sure to do it before you leave college and get out into the professional world so you can fully take advantage of the benefits.