Yes, exactly - refusing to call someone by the name they prefer is refusing to recognize the way that they choose to exist in the world. On M*A*S*H, they would constantly purposely be rude to Charles Emerson Winchester by calling him Chuck and Charlie. I kept my name when I got married because it was too much a part of my identity and I couldn't imagine just sort of arbitrarily taking on a different one.

You are exactly right that names are highly personal and often hold quite a bit of meaning beyond what is apparent to the public. Enjoy discovering what is there for you.