Some of the previous posts talked about name changes and potential impacts on career. Now-a-days, there are additional implications. In Texas (where I don't live thankfully) America, "what's in a name" has a serious side:

http://www.policymic.com/articles/67635/texas-new-voter-id-laws-may-roll-back-women-s-voting-rights

These new voter laws may not become a trend. But if they do, it is a factor to consider for people today who are getting married and contemplating name changes.