Ryan, Emma, Liam, Olivia, Jacob. Most of these names likely bring a person or two to mind, as they are some of the most popular names in the last two decades. At San Juan Hills alone, there are currently 23 Ryans, 22 Lukes, 20 Dylans, 20 Olivias, 19 Jacobs, and 18 Emmas. However, in this vast sea of Ryans, Lukes, and Olivias, there are always those select few names on an attendance roster that can’t help but catch one’s eye.
A clear example of this is Senior Morrissey (Mor-ruh-see) De Santiago who is named after Steven Patrick Morrissey, the lead singer of the popular 80’s rock-band The Smiths. De Santiago’s close friends and family currently refer to her as “Moz”.
“My dad is a huge fan of the 80’s rock-band, The Smiths,” said De Santiago.
For those who were given particularly “unique” names, juvenile mockeries, or long pauses of confusion during attendance are all too familiar.
Having family members who don’t speak English as their first language, it’s hard for my family to pronounce at times, but they always give it their best effort and at the end of the day.
— De Santiago
“My name is almost always mispronounced. I think people confuse it for “Marcy”, and often forget the “ey” in my name. I always enjoyed the, ‘Oh I know I’m gonna totally butcher this name’, from teachers or subs,” said De Santiago.
Senior Zakiah (Zuh-key-yuh) Sesay is named after the Islamic Bible, and her name translates to “pure”. Sesay’s family and close friends nicknamed her “Zu” or “Zuzu” when she was little, and her soccer teammates refer to her as “Z”.
“Back when I was little I actually used to get bullied for my name. Kids would call me ‘Zucchini’ and make fun of my name which as a kid really bothered me,” said Sesay.
Embarrassment is a powerful emotion that has veered its ugly head at least once or twice in someone with a “unique” name’s life. The fear of being singled out or humiliated is a feeling that sticks with someone forever.
Junior Ekaterina (Ee-ka-ter-ee-nuh) Likhvareva is named after the Russian Queen, Catherine the Great, by her mom. Likhvareva is known by most of her friends as “Kat”, and at home she is called “Katya”. In 2012, she emigrated from Russia to the U.S. after her dad received a new job opportunity.
“There was a slight embarrassment of having everyone ever not know how to pronounce my name, even though it’s a super common name in Russia,” said Likhvareva.
Almost everyone has fantasized about their dream name. But for people with “unique” names, this fantasy is often rooted in their desire to eliminate uncomfortable situations that arise because of their eye-catching names.
I think the story behind my name is kind of funny and it’s also ironic how my parents have very basic names, Leah and Daniel, and they have a child named Caoimhin. — Grothe
Sophomore Caoimhin (Key-O-Vin) Grothewas named by her dad who originally wanted a girl named “Kevin”, but pivoted to the name “Caoimhin” which is “Kevin” in Gaelic. Because of this, many of her close friends and family nicknamed her “Cev”.
“Younger me always wanted a more common name, for I got bullied for my name when I was really young. Even when I went by “Kevin” people would make fun of me for having a boy’s name. A lot of the time I would fantasize my name was Charlotte or Gwen,” said Grothe.
“I hated my name for a short period of time. I also got really annoyed when my parents told me their other name options for me, which were common, easy-to-pronounce girl names,” said De Santiago.
Everyone has witnessed a teacher butcher the pronunciation of a name while taking attendance, or completely give up altogether in utter defeat. While this situation is oftentimes unavoidable, is it better to attempt to pronounce a name, or not say it at all?
“I’d rather someone butcher my name because it shows they are trying to acknowledge my name, but I understand that sometimes people skip it to be respectful,” said Sesay.
“I would rather have someone butcher my name or call me something else because most of the time when people don’t say my name at all it makes me feel kind of hurt due to the fact that they wouldn’t even put in the effort,” said Grothe.
Although having a “unique” name yields its fair share of trials and tribulations, it is a badge of honor that should be worn with pride and courage. To stand out is not an easy feat by any means, but by embracing the obscured parts of our identities, we are opening up the world to a more diverse, unique, and accepting way of thinking.
A name is a beautiful reminder of the absolute individuality each and every person possesses. Despite mockery, embarrassment, confusion, or fear, every name should be embraced to its fullest potential.
