Has there been any research on what is more appealing between using your own name as the title, or using keywords for a niche? I say this, because I want to blog about afew different topics, like 3-4 different ones.. and I dont know if I want to start 3-4 different blogs because it would defer my attention for backlinking/work to get it traffic.. So, I am considering using my real name.. (its a semi popular name, so it will get some hits from that alone I bet) I know top guys like Timothy Sykes, Perez Hilton and etc use their name and still get hits, but in the low-level blogging, Is it possible?
It is possible. It will, however, take time for people (and search engines) to equate your name to the niches you wish to cover.
It is possible.. a couple things to factor in are: a) If you want to sell the site, or even think you would, at some point in the future you might not want it to be your name. b) If you ever want to add a staff to the site you might want a brand over your name. c) If you plan on allowing a LOT of guest authors you again may want to go with a brand. While a name can clearly work (in the examples that you have given among many others out there) I've always been of the opinion if any of the 3 above were answered yes (and this is opinion as b/c there are examples that they can work) I would go with a 'company' over just an individual name.