It’s not nice to make fun of names, it’s like making fun of the physical aspect of somebody. Anyway, French people who have American names (Kevin, Dylan, Jessica, etc.): this is funny, and I’m shamefully always giggling about them. I was wondering if once I’d lived in the US, I’d found every names very funny. But no. I mean, not all the time. Star kids have funny names, it’s true (I admit: I like this kind of slideshow), but usually, people have “normal” names, let’s say different. The problem is not really to have a name as Brenda or Brandon. No, the true issue is to pronounce a name properly so it doesn’t look that strange. It takes time for people to recognize their name when I’m calling them with my strong French accent. I tried once to call a friend, Kyle, but it was hopeless, he never looked back.I always have a hard time when I need to pronounce my name in an American way. When I order a coffee or I check in before yoga, I have to say my name (common mistake: when I was new here, I gave my last name, that’s how it works in France), usually people don’t get it, I repeat it over, and finally I spell it. The worst thing for me is on the phone: when I have to give my name, Manu’s name (a very long one), and our address: it’s true hell. M for Mickael, A for Astrid, T for Thomas… I don’t even know enough English names to do that.
But it’s not entirely my fault: an American friend of mine has a Japanese name, and sometimes people don’t get it either, so he gives his middle name, way easier. Mine is Françoise, I’m not sure it will help me.
