Name change after marriage

Having been married for 8 years, but just for name sake. 1st year of marriage got pregnant and delivered a baby boy. but abandoned by husband. for 7 years husband has not seen his wife or son. no maintenance or any support from husband. child has been brought up for the last 7 years by mother and maternal grandparents. however she does not want to give him divorce cause no strong reason to do so. she still hopes he will come back but god knows when. son is going to be 8yrs next march. she has been through alot of ups and downs. having changed her name to what the husband and in laws wanted has not worked for her. she wants to change her first name back to her maiden name, while keeping her husbands last name. for e.g. before marriage Sunita & after marriage suneeta. can she change her name back to her old name? pls advise, as she feels her name change will help her otherwise?