Surname option for name change.
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Roman Godde
Feature Request: Custom Surname Option for Display Name Changes
I’d like to propose an enhancement to the Premium and Plus name change feature: the ability for users to create a custom surname in addition to selecting from the existing list.
While I understand and respect the current system of rotating surname options—and the associated fee structure—I believe offering a custom surname option could add meaningful value to users while creating a new revenue opportunity for Linden Lab. This could be implemented as a tiered system: a standard fee for choosing from the curated list, and a higher fee for creating a unique, user-defined surname.
To prevent overuse or abuse of the feature, you might consider:
• A cooldown period between name changes
• A limited number of custom changes per account per year
• An optional fee to revert to a previously used name
Many long-term residents, myself included, find that the available surnames don’t always reflect our identity or branding needs. By offering a custom option—even at a premium—it would provide greater personalization without undermining the current system.
If there are technical or policy reasons this hasn’t been implemented, I’d genuinely be interested in understanding the limitations. Thank you for considering this suggestion.
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KecskeShajt Corvinus
Bad idea. Why should be an optional fee to revert to a previously used name once you paid for the name already? Also there is a possibility for names to be addded, just I think the selectable last names list is very small, I would rather increase it at least to 3x of the current pool.
So currently you can suggest a last name here:
Roman Godde
KecskeShajt Corvinusim hoping they can actually come up with some perimeters that can work for all. The idea is just a starter for options
Mathematics Enthusiast
I don't like this idea. This will open up last names to noise and undermine the fun of choosing from a rotating set of last names. Part of the fun is getting to re-roll your name to something clever and working with what's available. That's a sort of magic that's been unique to SL.
Also, it does undermine the current system by making it less profitable. If custom names were allowed, demand for the current pool of names would drop almost to zero.
If anything, some of the old last names like Eton need to be cleared out. But this is minor.
You can also suggest new last names on the form: https://second.life/suggestname
Samson Rowley
how about the cost not so high so all can change there names
A Kiko
One temporary solution might be for SLViewer and Firestorm to show both "Display Name(Username)" or even simply Display Name by default for all. This was mentioned in a related comment in LL Character Designer: "Because if a person has a Display Name (Sally Rogers) -- that's what they wish to be called -- and not have the username (evilwombat631) applied to them forever. " Many people get annoyed when they HAVE a Display Name showing, but are addressed with the username. This is also the LL helpdesk default form of addressing I might add.
And yes, I fully agree you should be able to purchase a custom name for your avatar if it is available. The multiple name problem occurs in all the major email services and they often provide First_Last or First.Last or First Last or First_Last_3. So perhaps this could be implemented as well by LL. I heard it was implemented originally to make people feel part of a "clan" ... But, forcing a surname on people is neither pleasant nor democratic in my humble opinion. And I would be happy to pay for a custom name I really wanted :)
Saz Ninetails
A Kikoas someone who has had several people pretend to be me by making their display name same as mine, I think hiding the legacy name is a bad idea as it makes it easier for trolls. Unless someone clicks on the offender and gets the uuid you could get blamed for all kinds of stuff.
A Kiko
Saz Ninetails I would agree, and so this is the idea behind showing "Display Name(Username)" by default -- instead of just username .
Loni Onyx
I would rather see a free name change for that premium plus account that has been paid for the whole year up front.
Roman Godde
Loni Onyxi love this
Garnet Psaltery
While I'd welcome this idea on behalf of a roleplaying alt I am concerned that it would greatly increase the opportunity for fraudulent impersonation.
Zia Underwood
yes this but also changing a name is already absurdly over priced. Its not like LL isnt profitable. More profitablethan when it began according to Phillip. So I would prefer to see a reduction in the price of the random names and the chosen name could take over the current price point.
Dakota Noelle
Yes! This right here
AlettaMondragon Resident
Roman Godde
"Feature Request: Custom Surname Option for Display Name Changes"
You might want to change Display Name to Avatar Name here. You are talking about Avatar Names. Referring to them as Display Names makes your entire suggestion look inconsistent.
Roman Godde
AlettaMondragon Resident thank you and yes that’s exactly what I mean
Rowan Amore
Roman Godde
Rowan Amoret that’s from 2024. Def not on the official website. I wouldn’t count that as official. And it was last edited in 2024
Rowan Amore
Roman Godde. It has been an option for years and it IS the official policy for custom names updated less than a year ago by Madori Linden.
Roman Godde
Rowan Amore Definitely need to lower the price then
Acedia Ditko
Rowan Amore while that might be the current method for custom names that is also the current method as stated by the information for corporations. It expressly states surnames for individuals are not appropriate for this method.
Its example is smith wouldn’t work. But smith corp would. Another metaphor/example would be like if amore wasn’t an sl last name yet. You wouldn’t be able to pick amore but amoreINC or corp ect would work.
There isn’t a method for individual use atm to my knowledge.
Rathgrith027 Resident
Rowan Amore If I had a nickel, for everyone who came up with that stupid link, I would be able to buy Linden Lab from Oberwager outright.
This is the equivalent of saying "Oh, your foot hurts? Use a shotgun, blow it off!"
Wrong application of a firearm, wrong amount of force as to:
Wrong purpose for this program; it shouldn't be that fucking expensive!
Rowan Amore
Rathgrith027 Resident. Okie dokie. It is still their current mechanism for custom names.
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