If your parents decided to go for a more unique traditional name for you, instead of a common English name like John/ Mary or a well known Yoruba name like Tolu/Tobi, then you’ll understand the struggle.

1. When the most common response you get after saying your name is “ehn?”

Na wa O

2. When someone starts squeezing their face while trying to pronounce it.

It’s not that serious, please.

3. When someone asks you if you have an English name instead.

Better learn this one.

4. When you were the first of your friends to get a nickname, because no one had energy.

Did I tell you I want a nickname?

5. When everyone keeps asking you what it means.

Leave me, abeg.

6. When someone gets it on the first try.

OMG! Marry me.


7. When someone asks you if it’s really your name.

Is this one well?

8. When you just knew it would never be on any coke bottle.

Oh? You have Akpors but you don’t have my name?

9. When you have to raise your hand before they get to announcing your name to save them the stress.

Before you bite your tongue.

10. When even your phone’s autocorrect thinks it’s wrong.

Really? REALLY??

11. When you have to constantly correct it on official documents.

Is this my life?

12. When even your friends spell it wrong.

The betrayal.

13. When you just start answering to all the different pronunciations people have for it.

Just say it however you like.

14. When someone asks you why your parents gave it to you.

Why are you asking me?

15. When even you start to wonder why your parents gave it to you.

Did English name finish?

I drop my Stylus Pen here.

I get questioned almost every time about the meaning of my Igbo name, so to be on a safer side, I say my English name.

Vickyydera:
I get questioned almost every time about the meaning of my Igbo name, so to be on a safer side, I say my English name.

At least you have an English name, :-D lucky you

i can relate to that no 5...had to change my name by force

I have a name like that; My Surname. When I need someone to fill a form and they ask me to repeat it, I just opt to spell it to save us all the stress.

Lwkmd

OP you nailed it! I still don't know what to do with Late Grandpa that decided to change his surname to a name that is cumbersome to pronounce. I have to pronounce atleast 4 times and explain my surname before people understands what it means

I can totally relate with em! some even ask why I don't have an English name.. .....