I did a quick search for a thread like this, but I didn’t see one, so if this already exists, I’m sorry!
If you have an unusual name, this thread is for you! For all of us who automatically spell out our names when we introduce ourselves. For all of us who missed out on personalized key chains and friendship bracelets and Coke bottles. For those of us who searched for our names in baby name books (or on Nameberry!) to no avail.
What is your name, and how is it pronounced? [name_m]How[/name_m] do you feel about your unusual name? Pros and cons of having a unique name? Also, if there is a story or meaning behind your name what is it?
I’ll go first: My name is Dalacey [name_f]Dawn[/name_f] [name_u]Angel[/name_u] (yes, 2 middle names). Pronounced Duh-[name_m]Lay[/name_m]-See. Think [name_u]Delaney[/name_u] meets [name_f]Lacey[/name_f].
When I was young I HATED my name. I hated that I always had to repeat it 3 times and spell it when I met someone new. I hated that teachers would always mispronounce it or call me the wrong name. (Seriously, I’ve gotten everything from [name_u]Delaney[/name_u], to [name_f]Delancey[/name_f], to [name_u]Darcy[/name_u], to [name_u]Tracey[/name_u]) I wished I had a “normal” name like [name_f]Sarah[/name_f] or [name_u]Ashley[/name_u] or [name_f]Rebecca[/name_f]. But now, as an adult, I appreciate having a unique name!
Pros: 1) I was the only one in the school, so everything could just be labeled with my first name.
2) People don’t have preconceived ideas about you based on your name (Like "Oh, you’re such a [name_f]Megan[/name_f]!)
3) Never accidentally responding when someone else is being called
4) It’s nice to be one-of-a-kind! I’ve never met another Dalacey [name_m]IRL[/name_m].
5) I get compliments on my name almost every time I introduce myself
Cons: 1) [name_f]Every[/name_f] introduction goes turns into a whole process. Not just repeating pronunciation, but spelling it out and asking about where the origin and meaning of your name, etc.
2) Correcting pronunciation. I will correct you twice, and if you still haven’t gotten it, I’ll just nod and let you go on with whatever bastardization you are using.
3) Starbucks or other restaurants that take your name for the order: Honestly, at this point, I just give them a fake name, because it is so not worth the effort. If I do give them my real name, instead of listening for my name, I just watch until the barista looks at the cup with a bewildered expression. “Yup, I can tell by your face, that one’s mine.”
4) Get used to seeing your name misspelled. Honestly, I’ve had the same name for 30 years and my extended family still hasn’t learned to spell it correctly.
5) As mentioned above, you will never find personalized merch with your name in the souvenir shop, unless you can get it custom made.