August 10, 2010 – What’s in a name? Quite a bit.

Or so believes Portia de Rossi, who last Friday filed a petition with the Los Angeles County Superior Court to legally change her name to Portia DeGeneres.

We’re guessing it’s no coincidence that the actress chose to adopt wife Ellen DeGeneres’ surname just two days after a California federal judge came to his senses overturned Proposition 8.

Ms. and the soon-to-be Mrs. DeGeneres tied the knot back in August of 2008.

Along with the paperwork requesting the name swap, Portia also filed a hefty number of documents seeking to redact the couple’s home address on the supporting paperwork, citing concerns that the duo’s personal safety would be at risk. In other words: keep those crazies at bay.

A hearing on the name swap, which will no doubt be just minutes-long as moniker amendments are routinely granted, has been set for Sept. 23.