Unique Reactions to Uncommon Names: A Personal Journey

It is not uncommon for people to have names that stand out or are unique. But what happens when these names elicit curiosity, confusion, and even amusement from those around us? In this personal journey, I will share my experiences with uncommon names and the reactions they often provoke.

Adopting a Pen Name

Since I adopted my pen name as my legal name in autumn 2020, people often react with surprise when they hear it. My new first name, which is quite interesting, carries a meaningful history. Interestingly, it literally means "jail" in Kurdish and was chosen because it is notoriously difficult for illiterates to mispronounce. This unique connotation can sometimes lead to humorous misunderstandings, making the name more memorable than misspelled.

Challenges of Common Names

On the flip side, having a very common name can also come with its own set of challenges. Previously, I carried the name Alondra, a name that was used by at least two people in my school. After leaving school and entering the workforce, the name remained a point of confusion. When I joined our church in Michigan, I was told that my name was shared with four other women. Despite this, the name itself is not bad. However, when combined with the nickname, it can become quite awkward.

Language and Cultural Misconceptions

Names can often lead to cultural misunderstandings, especially in an interconnected world. One common reaction is the assumption that a person from a pen name like Alondra must be speaking English and operating a business in the same language. This could be due to a lack of exposure to names from different linguistic backgrounds. Such reactions can highlight the importance of fostering cultural understanding and embracing diversity.

Reactions to Email Signatures

Before pronouns became a standard in email signatures, people often assumed my gender based on my name, even if it didn't match my physical appearance. For instance, my given name was Alondra, but it was a common enough name that it could belong to a male or female. Over time, as pronouns became more ubiquitous in email signatures, this issue has become less frequent.

Humorous Jokes and Anecdotes

One of my favorite jokes about my last name is when someone looks at my name and seems a bit perplexed. I always reply with the punchline: "It's Korean." This usually elicits a surprised but not unbelief reaction. People will often say, "Really?" to which I simply respond, "No." The response is usually followed by a chuckle, as the person realizes the joke. I am a white guy with no Korean heritage, and this serves as a light-hearted reminder of the cultural misunderstandings that can arise from uncommon names.

Conclusion

Names can be a fascinating topic, as they often tell a story and can evoke a variety of reactions. Whether it is due to the uniqueness of the name or cultural misconceptions, our names can be a source of both joy and confusion. Understanding and embracing the diversity of names can help bridge gaps and foster a more inclusive society.