The "name check" I usually see is just the first four letters of the last name.  If IRS sees Schm, they don't look farther for Schmid or Schmuck.  But maybe that has changed.  

ATM's don't look at names on checks.  When clients ask me how to make out their check, I tell them they can write "Osama bin Laden" for all the bank cares.  I have a rubber stamp for deposits to my business account; I don't sign anything.  Last month a client had a small health-insurance refund check payable to his wife, who died two years ago.  He was uncomfortable taking it to his bank, so I cashed it for him.