A while ago (sometime last year that I don’t remember anymore) I came across a quick blurb in a now long-forgotten Google blog entry telling users exactly how to get their names verified for their Google Profile pages.

It’s really simple, and free — the whole thing’s furnished by Knol, which has itself become somewhat forgotten when compared to Google’s many other ventures. I hadn’t given it much thought since, but with the recent advent of Google Buzz, our Google Profiles have taken on a whole new responsibility.

I also feel like I should have told more people about it when I got my own name verified, but that’s neither here nor there.

As I said before, it’s pretty easy to do, and should only take a couple of minutes to complete if you’ve got the right information on hand.

Disclaimer: This only works for Americans. Sorry (whole rest of the world), but the company is based here and the data they need to reference for verification is the kind that they can’t go looking for elsewhere.

Step 1: Go to Knol.

Google used their Knol service as the one-stop shop for name verification due to its extant system based on reputation, credibility, true name usage and basically the fact that it’s existence is contingent upon its users not being trolls.

Once at Knol, look up to the top right corner of the page and sign in. Even if you’re already logged into other Google services, it’s likely that when you load Knol you won’t be signed in yet. It uses your regular Google account so this won’t be a problem for anybody already using Buzz or Gmail.

Once you’re signed in, look back to the same top right corner and see that the options have changed to include a link to your Knol preferences. Click the link.

Step 2: Choose the tab for Name Verification.

Seriously, I wasn’t kidding when I said it was easy. Once you’re in Knol Preferences, choose the tab that says Name Verification. You’re almost done.

Once you’ve clicked the tab for Name Verification, you’re presented with two options:

Step 3: Verify.

Now you’ve got an easy decision to make. You can either verify your identity by using a credit card, or by using your Social Security Number. Either works just as well as the other, but since there are still masses of people who seem to think their SSN is somehow both secret and special in some way, the credit option is a safe bet.

Once you submit your info, the system processes it rather quickly. In fact, you may have a note in your inbox telling you it’s done before you close the tab. Now simply go to your Google Profile page, et voila! You’re verified.