No Matter How Complicated
Your name is one of the most fundamental parts of your identity. It’s often the first thing people learn about you and the one thing that stays with you throughout your life. Whether it’s short and simple or long and full of tricky pronunciations, your name carries deep personal, cultural, and historical meaning. It’s much more than just a collection of letters—it’s a reflection of who you are and where you come from.
But what happens when your name is difficult for others to pronounce or spell? For many people with longer or more complex names, introducing yourself can feel like entering a spelling bee. My own name is 9 letters long and not widely used, I have a bit of a love hate relationship with it - it's mine, but I've hated having to repeat, explain or wonder if to correct pronunciation or just let it go. Nowadays I usually tend to go by either a 5 letter shortened version (also often mispronounced...) or a short 3 letter option, which I think you'd have to struggle to butcher;)
Why Your Name Matters
Names are a gift from our parents or loved ones, and they often come with a story. Some names are passed down through generations, connecting us to our ancestors. Others reflect cultural traditions, religious beliefs, or personal hopes. In many cultures, names are chosen to reflect the qualities or values that parents wish for their child, and they can carry profound meanings.
Having a complicated or unique name can be both a source of pride and a bit of a struggle. On the one hand, it sets you apart and gives you a chance to explain something special about your background. On the other hand, it can lead to endless mispronunciations and people giving up halfway through your introduction. But here’s the thing: your name deserves to be heard and spoken correctly, no matter how tricky it may seem.
The Struggle of Pronunciation
If your name often sends people into a state of confusion, you’ve probably been asked more times than you can count, “Do you have a nickname?” Or worse, you’ve had people just decide on one for you without asking. It’s frustrating, and over time, you may feel the temptation to shorten or simplify your name just to avoid the awkwardness.
But why should you have to change something so fundamental to make it easier for others? Your name is part of your identity, and you have every right to insist that it be spoken as it was intended. Sure, it may take some people a few tries to get it right, but each time they do, they’re not just saying your name—they’re acknowledging your history, your culture, and your individuality.

That said, we all know the struggle of hearing someone absolutely butcher our name (and pretending like it’s okay). It’s one thing if someone gets it wrong on their first try, but it’s another thing entirely when you’ve corrected them a dozen times and they’re still calling you something completely different. At some point, you have to embrace the humour of the situation, right? If someone apologises after I've gently corrected them, I try to diffuse the situation with "Don't worry, I've been called worse" and laugh.
Owning Your Name with Confidence
Engineers and scientists come from all over the world, giving us a unique opportunity to connect with people who speak different languages and embrace different cultures. This could also mean that you have a name that is long, unique, or takes practice for others to pronounce - but don't feel you need to change it. There is a really brilliant take on this, which you can watch, by American actress Uzoamaka Nwanneka “Uzo” Aduba, where, when she wanted to anglicise her name, her mum responded "If they can learn to say Tchaikovsky and Michaelangelo and Dostoyevsky, they can learn to say Uzoamaka."
Some thoughts on proudly owning your name:
- Take pride in its uniqueness: Your name is part of what makes you, you. Don’t let its complexity make you feel self-conscious—it’s something that sets you apart from the crowd.
- Correct people when necessary: Gently, of course. Most people would rather learn how to say your name correctly than continue saying it wrong. Give them the chance to get it right.
- Educate others: If your name has a special meaning or history behind it, don’t be afraid to share that story. It makes your name all the more memorable.
- Be patient: It’s okay if people don’t get it right the first time. Learning new names can take time, and you might have to correct them more than once. The key is to approach it with kindness (and maybe a little humour).
Celebrating Your Name with Personalised Gifts
I used to spend hours as a child looking through those racks of named magnets and keyrings, searching for my name (never happened). Maybe that's why I love making personalised gifts so much. Whether it's for yourself or a loved one, adding your name to everyday items can serve as a reminder of how special it is. Here are some fun and practical ways to show off your name:
-
Mugs: Imagine starting your day with a coffee mug that has your full name on it, in all its complicated glory. Not only does it ensure that no one "accidentally" uses your mug, but it’s also a daily reminder of the name you carry with pride.
-
Mousepads: Spend a lot of time at your computer? A personalised mousepad with your name adds a personal touch to your workspace. Plus, it’ll remind your coworkers that, yes, you have a name, and yes, they should try to learn how to pronounce it.
-
Keyrings: A keyring engraved with your name can be a stylish and personalised reminder.
-
Pens: For a more practical touch, personalised pens are a great option. Every time you pick one up to jot down a note, you’ll see your name right there, reminding you of its importance (and ensuring no one can claim it as their own).
In the end, your name is more than just a word—it’s a reflection of your identity, your heritage, and your story. Whether it's simple or complex, it deserves to be embraced, celebrated, and shared with pride. So the next time someone stumbles over your name, correct them with a smile, explain its meaning, and remember that it’s a unique part of who you are. And if all else fails, just get a mug with your name on it and hand it over as a pronunciation guide.