can i add a middle name if i was never given one? my middle name was
left blank on my birth certificate as my mother could not decide. so,
i have been using my maiden name as my middle name for years. i don't
want to do this anymore as 1) i have suffered abuse from that father
and 2) he is not my real father, so i just want to add a middle name I
can use and update my SS card and Birth Certif if necessary. If I cant
do this - can i just "add" it and use it? Its not like i'm replacing
or changing a middle name.

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Request for Question Clarification by justaskscott-ga on 06 Sep 2005 22:43 PDT

In what state were you born?  In what state is your permanent
residence?  (The answers to these questions might be relevant to
whether you can change your name in this way.)

My understanding is that you can use any name you wish,  as long as
it's not for a criminal purpose.   It's common amongst people who as
babies were entered in government records with an ethnic name that
consists of a mix of consonants, but they have always been known as
"Joe" or similar.
 
 The important step is to write and tell various government
authorities,  such as the tax office, that you are now for example
John William Smith instead of John Smith.  Otherwise you could be
considered as seeking to establish a fraudlent identity and evade tax.
  If it's painful to you, there's no need to explain why,  simply tell
them that you are now known as...... and go on to enjoy the rest of
your life.
 There are certain names considered to be in the public domain ....
you'd have problems if you demanded to be known as Frank
Sinatrsuddenly laid claim

The best way to change your name is to go to your county's probate
court.  Ask them for the form.  Pay a fee and go throught the process 
- which normally includes having the change published in the local
legal newspaper.  So long as nobody complains, the change will take
effect.  Then you can send a copy of the court order to the SS dept
and they will issue you a new card.  you can use this to get driver's
license etc.

It is also correct that you can use any name you want - so long as is
it not for fraudulent puropses.  That will work for every day stuff,
but to legally change it  you will need a court order.