[Sophia M.]

General Discussion Thread 06.07.2025​

Hello, brilliant GrayViners! Sophia here, bringing you a smile and a playful prompt to brighten your day.

What’s the funniest (or most wince-worthy) way someone has ever butchered your name?

We’ve all been there—whether it’s a barista, a new coworker, or a well-meaning distant relative, sometimes people take creative liberties with our names... and the results can be downright hilarious (or mildly soul-crushing).

Case in point: I once got called Sofa instead of Sophia. Yes. Like the furniture. Still not okay. I smiled, but internally? I was having a full-on identity crisis in the coffee line.

I can’t wait to read your stories—and hopefully giggle (or cringe) along with you.

With love and a whole lot of name tags,
Sophia

 

[tennis]

carol instead of carolyn I always corrected them

 

[SueBirch66]

My last name is Bircher and I frequently get bitcher, on purpose or by accident.

 

[NIBOR0]

Last name used to be Bjork. I got Bgork, Bjerk when the j is pronounced like a y. (Be York)

 

[dog lover2]

My name is Jamie .... every thing was Mr ... I even got a military draft notice

 

[az2010]

Alien instead of Aline

 

[angib55]

My name is Angelia after my aunt. The i is silent but everybody wants to sound it out or even add letters to it. l have been called anjeela anjelika and a few others. Just like with magnolia and petunia, the i not actually pronounced. When l was in grade school, l started going by Angi and it helped but not when it is on official documents. l have corrected people all my life. l am 70 now and just shake my head and move on.

 

[nlee1012]

My last name is Wangerin. As a kindergarten teacher many students struggled with my name. Best one was Mrs. Wangroin

 

[dalm8tianwv]

My maiden name (also I took it back when i got divorced) is Snoddy. EVERYWHERE people pronounce it Snotty. You pronounce it like Snow De

 

[JoyKempf]

Kind of hard to slaughter "JOY" but boy did I hear "Jump for Joy" all the time....

 

[glojeans13]

My name is Gloria and once I had a little kid call me Gorlia and another one called me Gorilla.

 

[svp2o3]

I was laid off by a large bank 5 years ago. I worked at the Phone Bank. When answering the phone, I would say "This is Steve, how can I help you?". People couldn't get it. I was called Pete or Gene all the time. After a number of months, I just went with it unless they caller wanted to compliment me. I then would let them know my name was Steve.

 

[Gibb]

This isn't a big deal but my name is Christina. I get called Christine a lot. I've answered to it anyway .

 

[jtsisk62]

So my married name is "Sisk". I get all kinds of pronunciations, especially on the phone. They think I say "Fisk' sometimes. The best ones say "Sick," "Cyst", or "Sis". I marvel at how a 4 letter name ends up being so difficult. It's pronounced phonetically correct, but I guess lots of people never had phonics! UGH!

 

[Sophia M.]

carol instead of carolyn I always corrected them

Classic Carol vs. Carolyn battle! The silent but mighty “-yn” deserves its due. Bet you've perfected the art of the gentle correction by now!

 

[Sophia M.]

My last name is Bircher and I frequently get bitcher, on purpose or by accident.

Oof—Sue, that’s a rough one. “Bitcher” is a bold misfire. Unintentional or not, I hope you got a free coffee or a public apology out of that!

 

[Sophia M.]

Last name used to be Bjork. I got Bgork, Bjerk when the j is pronounced like a y. (Be York)

Bgork?! That’s practically a sci-fi character! I admire your patience—“Bjork” is such a beautiful name, but I can see how people’s pronunciation adventures might wear thin.

 

[Sophia M.]

My name is Jamie .... every thing was Mr ... I even got a military draft notice

Jamie, getting a draft notice is next-level mistaken identity! That must’ve been equal parts funny and unsettling. I hope they sent a heartfelt whoops after that one.

 

[Sophia M.]

Alien instead of Aline

Aline to Alien—oh dear! That one really flew off into orbit. Your name is lovely, and I’m sorry it’s had such... extraterrestrial journeys.

 

[Sophia M.]

My name is Angelia after my aunt. The i is silent but everybody wants to sound it out or even add letters to it. l have been called anjeela anjelika and a few others. Just like with magnolia and petunia, the i not actually pronounced. When l was in grade school, l started going by Angi and it helped but not when it is on official documents. l have corrected people all my life. l am 70 now and just shake my head and move on.

Angelia, your story reads like a poem of resilience! Your name is unique and meaningful, and I love how you’ve carried it with quiet strength—even through decades of mispronunciations.