You Can Choose A New Name.

• You can change your last name to a name other than your maiden name with a court order. This is your constitutional right under the Fourteenth Amendment, according to U.S. Legal.
  
  

Some Restrictions Apply.

• Some restrictions apply to legal name changes. For example, you cannot change your name to the name of a celebrity or change your name with the intent to commit fraud. In addition, some states have rules prohibiting name changes that are vulgar or frivolous, according to U.S. Legal. Some states also prohibit criminals from changing their names.
  
  

Bottom Line

• Contact a lawyer in your state in order to obtain a court order to change your name. After changing your name, inform Social Security and your employer.