If you're worried about legalities, consult an attorney. Always.
But, from experience, it's been completely legal in every state I've ever worked in. There's only an issue of fraud if you are intending to evade taxes, child support, etc.; or identity theft if you're claiming to be a different legal person other than yourself (using someone else's social security number, etc.). Everywhere I've lived, as long as I'm acting in good faith, there is no crime.
It is incredibly common, especially amongst women, who often use their maiden name professionally, even though they're married. To the point that partnered attorneys at law have their maiden name on the letterhead, we have ambassadors who use their maiden name, etc. But having made a reputation for ones self under a maiden name is only one of dozens of -legal- reasons people use aliases. It's absolutely no one's business what name you use, or why, as long as you are not attempting to defraud anyone by doing so.
But, for true, I'm just a chick on the Internet. If you're concerned about point of law for your area? Consult an attorney.