Jimmie Rodgers and Gene Autry both had their names on the fingerboard in large letters that could be read from the audience. Many players have their names inlaid in smaller letters at the twelfth fret or on the truss rod cover. Names on tooled leather straps is very common, even among amateurs. Elvis used mailbox letters to put his name on a Martin dreadnought (the famous "Elvi" guitar). Many musicians also paint their names on the side of their tour buses.
While I can see the advantage of being identifiable immediately, I'd think this would hurt the re-sale value of the instrument unless it was done by a very famous musician.