Generating Dynamic Stylized Text Image server side

Generating Dynamic Stylized Text Image server side

I'm trying to find a way to generate text images (image banner containing
a text like a name of a company) dynamically on the server side using more
sophisticated aesthetic styles than just a single color text.
I've found some clever CSS tricks (see link below), but I find it
difficult to find a script that can handle advanced CSS reliably.
http://www.midwinter-dg.com/permalink-7-great-css-based-text-effects-using-the-text-shadow-property_2011-03-03.html
Maybe there is another approach.
To put in context, there is a system where each user has a web page with a
header that has their name. I'd like to give more visual options while
still automation the process.
Thanks Kovacs