Another related question might be why we don't use our "real" names. I chose Naemanson for my SCA persona, as an imaginary person he didn't have a real father so he was No Man's Son, i.e., Naemanson.

And I used it instead of my real name because of the basic paranoia that goes with the use of the Internet. I am tempted to change it now that I am confidant in being here.