You can call yourself whatever you want, but, with the possibility of ID cards, for how long? A half way house towards changing your name by deed poll is to swear a 'statutory declaration', that you are know as 'xxxxxx' and that you are not trying to defraud anyone (I paraphrase). Cost? £5 at a solicitors near you! I know because I have done it. Having been known as 'Nick' for over 20 years, I was incensed that my bank would not recognise that as being my name and breezily suggested I simply use my (loathed) baptismal name. A statutory declaration solved the problem. It has even got my past passport control, when my ticket said one name and my passport another! Kind regards Nick