In my English class this week, I read a Native American memoir called "The Names" by N. Scott Momaday. The prologue states, "...A man’s life proceeds from his name, in the way that a river proceeds from its source." This quote really got me thinking about not only the names that appeared throughout the book, but also my own name. How has my name shaped my life? While names, to me at least, are not as significant as they were to Native American people, my name has definitely affected my life and who I am. My name is what I write on every paper. It is how people identify me, and it is how I identify myself. But because my name is Jessica, a very common name, a million other girls share this same name with me. My common name has shaped my life both positively and negatively. If your name is as common as mine, you probably can relate to much of what I go through. For all the Matthews, Michaels, Jessicas and Emilys out there, here are eight pros and cons of having a common name.
The Pros:
- Your name is on every shot glass, key chain, mug, and necklace. I have a lot of friends with uncommon names or unconventional name spellings. I have always taken for granted that my name is on everything. I know people who get so excited when they find their names on such merchandise. My name is so common that sometimes I can't find it, but not because they don’t make my name, but because it sold out from being so common.
- Substitute teachers never mispronounce your name. Every time I had a sub in high school, I remember hearing them butcher many people’s names. The same people would always have to correct them, and I could tell it got annoying. I am fortunate to have a very easily spelled and pronounced name.
- You have something in common with peers, family members, book characters and even celebrities. When I was younger, I loved hearing my name. Jessica Simpson was my favorite singer, and my favorite book was called Jessica. When you're young especially, your name gives you great comfort. There is a certain excitement that comes with meeting people with your name, reading about people with your name, and looking up to people with your name.
- Starbucks never messes up. I have seen so many snapchat stories of Starbucks cups labeled with the wrong name. My roommate’s name is "Devin," and the poor girl’s cup always says "Devon," "Deven," or some other variation, even though her name is pretty simple. With a name like Jessica, I have never experienced this.
The Cons:
- You always think people are talking to you. Whether you’re in the hallway or at the mall, you will inevitably hear someone call your name. You want to turn around, but you know that it's very likely that they are talking to someone else who has the same name as you. But, if you don’t turn around, you might end up ignoring someone who was actually talking to you. Both situations happen to me on a daily basis, and I still never know what to do.
- Teachers have trouble learning your name. While your name is easy and common, teachers probably know at least 10 other people who also have your name. Teachers have to learn so many new names each year, so you're pretty lucky if you have a unique name because you will stand out and be easy to remember.
- You will most likely have people in your class/group with the same name. Throughout high school, I actually had a best friend named Jess. One of my sorority sisters is also named Jess. On the first day we met, we were already given nicknames. People have started to call me “JRamz” (shoutout to Rupa and Korina) to set me apart from the other Jess. While I appreciate cute nicknames and love Jess so much, I sometimes wish I had my own unique name.
- You have probably thought about changing your name on more than one occasion. There are an infinite number of names in the world, but my parents chose 1996s (my birth year) second most popular name in the U.S. I have always appreciated unique names, and I intend to name my children accordingly.
Having a common name certainly has it's ups and downs. While I have thought about changing my name and have even yelled at my parents for their lack of creativity when naming me, I honestly cannot imagine going by any other name. I look like a Jessica, I behave like a Jessica, I am Jessica. My name is a huge part of who I am, but it only controls so much. I am one of many Jessicas, but there is only one unique me.
