I legally changed my last name to my grandmother's maiden name years ago. I wanted to honor her memory and I liked how it sounded with my first name. As I recall, the legal procedure was remarkably easy...just went down to the courthouse and in no time at all it was done. (Faster than getting a tattoo!) Everyone had opinions and many people were peeved. My (now ex) was peeved I "threw away" his last name (that was so much "drama" cuz I think he understood my reasons) my in-laws were peeved, and initially my father was peeved even though it was his mother's maiden name. When I explained my reasons to my father he understood and said that it was unique and unusual to honor a woman in this way and he felt deeply moved by my gesture. People will always voice their opinions but a name is such a personal thing I think it really isn't anyone's business. I never regretted taking this last name and I will never change it because it is meaningful to me and I cherish what it stands for. (Of course my avatar name is not my real life name.)