To all the Adams, Bakers, Carters, Davids, etc. of the world, I totally understand your last name gripes. Actually, not gripes, celebrations, because having a common last name is hella easy to deal with. But still, there are certain things people people with complicated, or even just not-as-common last names will never quite understand. Sure, you may get confused for being someone else, and yeah, you may be the 5th “Smith” in your graduating class, but at least no one ever asks us how to pronounce our name. Here are 13 things that only people with common last names are sure to get.
1. You’ve probably added someone with the same name as you on Facebook.
This is more likely true if you have a common first name. You know how many people on Facebook have exact same name as me? A lot. Like, hundreds. Personally, I’m friends with 11 people with my same name. Granted, that’s what you do when you’re 12 and first make a Facebook and think you’re so cool to find someone with the same name as you. 8 years later I’m still getting updates from a Roberts in Michigan and another in the United Kingdom.
2. You get asked if you’re related to certain people.
Oh you know 6 other people with my last name? Nope, I’m not related to a one. When you’re last name is one of the most common in the country, A LOT of people are going to have that last name, and I’m only related to a small handful.
3. You’ve dated/had a crush on/hooked up with someone with your last name.
Confession: I’ve kissed a kid with the same last name as me. In no way were we related, but it was definitely was a funny talking point.
4. No one ever asks where you’re “from.”
I’ve met people of all races, ages, backgrounds, and religions with my last name. When it’s so common, people aren’t as curious to know your background. Wait, people not asking me personal questions that aren’t really there business to begin with? Cool with me.
5. You graduated with multiple people with the same last name as you.
It actually wasn’t true for me in high school, but it will be for my brother. Again, no relation, just one of many people with our surname.
6. You actually get some level of being anonymous.
Even if people ask if you’re related to someone with the same last name, it’s impossible to decide which one you could be related to. My little brother has very rarely had teachers ask if he’s my brother. It gives him a level of animosity people with less common last names have to face year after year.
7. You get other people's mail. A lot.
Oy vey. This happens at campus and at home. The first names won’t be anything close, but people just blindly deliver mail based off last name. I’ve gotten introduce myself to a few people just having to give them their mail.
8. You’ve pretended to be related to someone famous.
Oh Julia and Emma Roberts? Oh yes, haha, Em and I definitely went to the beaches when we were just girls…
9. Google makes it hard to search for you.
With over 140,000 results your name, it’s definitely making it difficult to certain people to find you (which is actually a pretty good thing)
10. Your usernames for websites can never just be your name.
Get used to numbers, periods, creative spellings, or using a completely random word for Instagram and twitter
11. You see your last name in fiction writing frequently.
It’s easy to spell, easy to say, and apparently coming to people's minds a lot
12. You’re thoroughly shocked when people ask how to spell your name.
Yeah, this is one I’ve taken for granted. I know many of my friends automatically start spelling their name when telling it to other people, but I very rarely have had anyone ask for a spelling, and when that one person does ask it’s sure to throw me off.
13. Other people tell you how lucky you are to have an “easy” surname.
My mom’s maiden name is Lithuanian with 5 syllables. She reminds me quite a lot how fortunate I am to have a last name no one blinks an eye at. Hey, I’m not complaining! It’s pretty great not having to repeat myself 50 times when people ask my name.
