Today, there are many names that are really popular and well known, and there are names that aren’t too common, but are still heard of. Every now and then, however, there is that one name you might hear for the first time and wonder where on earth it came from, or what it even means. Some are really unique but are easy to pronounce and hence, remember. Yet, there are others that are rather…different, complicated and really hard to say and remember.
I happen to be one of those people with a name which is, say, difficult. It is kind of a lengthy, unique tongue-twister that I even struggled with saying (really I did). Often times when introducing myself, I have to repeat myself at least three times. Even then, some people do not get it and just smile, nod and say, “Okay, that’s nice."
When it comes to the pronunciation of my name, I have heard every way under the sun that my name can be said incorrectly. For instance, there are no R’s or W’s in my name, yet, some people have inserted those letters in between or at the beginning of my name. Sometimes this is probably my fault because I tend to speak quietly, but other times, I know their tongue just simply got twisted. So basically, you are automatically well respected by me if you remember or correctly pronounce my name.
Most of the time pronunciation is only awkward in introducing myself, when I’m being called on in a class or in an award ceremony and when fast-food restaurants ask what my “name for the order” is. In award ceremonies or first days of classes, I see the poor person trying to read and pronounce my name as best as they could. They usually bite their lip and just say, “I’m probably going to pronounce this wrong…” I just laugh and then think, “Oh, that would be me.”
When it comes to fast food restaurants, I learned to just say my last name when ordering. My last name is simple, short and well known (and I’m pretty sure the employees of these places now think my last name is my first, but…oh well). I have learned to laugh at this today and make sure everyone knows that I will not be offended if they mispronounce or forget my name. I know it can be difficult.
Another interesting thing with having a unique name is that I’ll probably never run into another person with it. I’ll probably never get mixed up with a friend that has the same name either. This is also cool because when I hear my name in a conversation, I already know who is being talked about. This kind of makes it easier for everyone, because I’m the only person saying, “What?” when I’m called.
At an early age, I learned that I won’t find my name on a key-chain or water bottle in a tourist store, or any store. I remember once when I was really little I desperately looked through a tub of water bottles with names on them for my name. I must’ve read every name on every water bottle, but found that mine was just not common. My mom later explained that not everyone has heard of my name and that it was indeed, unique.
Throughout the years, however, I found that having a unique name is not so bad. If anything, it has taught me a few nice things. I have learned to really appreciate remembering and pronouncing the name of everyone I meet. Also, I have learned to appreciate those who really do pronounce my name correctly and remember it. I feel extremely happy when I see someone that I have only met once before, and they say my name again perfectly. I suddenly feel important and, just… remembered. To me, it means that I made some impression on them. Lastly, when it comes to items in tourist stores, I find entertainment in looking through their items with names and seeing how close a certain name might be to mine, and whether I can find all the names of my friends and family.
So, yes, it can get tiring to have a really distinctive name to say over and over again, and hear butchered time and time again; nevertheless, it is pretty cool. I've learned to have fun with it and enjoy its uniqueness. After all, a lot of names like mine, actually sound pretty lovely when pronounced correctly.
