People have been using pseudonyms or aliases since historic times for different reasons. Whether it be Mary Ann Evens who used a male name, George Elliot, for her novels, or the famous Stan Lee, who wanted to use his real name, Stanley Martin Lieber, for serious literary writings, creating a different identity is not too uncommon.
Even the original poster’s (OP) wife reinvented herself 12 years ago so that she would sound more ‘western’ on job applications. When her husband found out about this from her old colleague, he went online and mocked her.
More info: Reddit
