Growing up with a unique name can be both fun and annoying. My parents named me Lilia (LIH-lee-uh), which they apparently found in a garden encyclopedia. Personally I like my name, but explaining it over and over gets tiring, so recently I’ve been going by Lily. If you also grew up with a unique name, you can probably relate.
1. No one knows how to pronounce it.
You always knew when a new teacher or substitute got to your name on the roster because of the brief pause, a statement along the lines of “I know I’ll say this wrong” followed by a weak attempt at saying your name, or them just saying your last name.
2. So you turn it into a game to see how long it takes for them to get your name right.
After too many incorrect tries, you eventually show mercy and tell them how to say it.
3. But when you do correct people, they still say it wrong.
me: Actually it’s LIH-lee-uh.
them: LIE-lee-uh?
me:
4. So you respond to pretty much anything that sounds relatively close to your name.
I’ll answer to Lily, Layla, Lila, Leah, Lee, and a whole slew of other things that start with the letter “L.”
5. If someone even attempts to spell your name, it’s usually way off.
Them: You have two “l”s in your name?
Me: yup
Them: L-I-L-L-I-A
Me: That’s three
6. Eventually you just stop correcting people, which causes more problems.
Them: “You’re name is Lila? I thought it was Leah!”
Me: “Yeah, you’re both wrong but it’s fine.”
7. The Ting Tings basically wrote you a theme song.
And when your friends with common names sing it you glare at them the whole time. They don't know the struggle.
8. When someone does get your name right, it’s a huge deal.
You’re the real MVP.
9. You’ll never find a souvenir with your name on it.
It’s fine. I didn’t want a personalized bracelet anyways. No big deal.
10. When something does have your name on it, it’s extremely important.
That is my cup because it has my name on it. Yes I had to have it engraved specially. Yes it was worth it.
11. People inadvertently insult you/your name.
Them: Oh I remember you! You’re the girl with the weird name.
Me: gee, thanks
12. This happens even when you go by a nickname.
Three different people have responded to learning my name with "That's my dog's name!" Don't get me wrong, I love dogs. I just don't necessarily want to be compared to one.
13. People expect your name to be really meaningful just because they think it’s hard to say.
It just means a bunch of lilies. My parents literally found it in a flower book.
14. You’re extra competitive when someone has the same name
There can only be one.
15. You’re weirdly proud of your unique name.
No one ever asked “which Lilia” someone was talking about, because I was the only Lilia in the school (and my high school was actually pretty big). You wish your name was this rare.
