The Map and "true" identities (WAS Re: The MAP & Ron=DD)

[anneli lucas]

No: HPFGUIDX 89643

Arya, about the names displayed on the Marauder's Map:
> Obviously, this concept is up for 
> debate, but I think we know 'the Marauder's 
> Map never lies' (supposedly) and that if 
> polyjuice, which physically turns one person 
> into another doesn't fool the map, then it 
> likely has nothing to do with the "contrived" 
> identity of the person, but with the true 
> identity of the person.  

Anneli: 
But what is someone's 'true' identity or name? JK appears to name characters using the traditional method: children get first name and father's surname, women take husband's surname on marriage. So does the map show the name someone's parents gave them? Does it change how woman's name is shown when she gets married?  Many people don't use the name they were born with - what if someone was adopted, would the map give the surname name of their biological father or their adoptive family? If someone legally changed their name would it then show up changed on the map?

Anneli (who finds how people are named and name themselves a very interesting subject)