What’s in a name?

William Shakespeare certainly had a way with words but I have to disagree with this particular sentiment because I really don’t think a rose would smell as sweet if it wasn’t called that. Imagine a beautiful bloom being called a sneezeweed or perhaps a stinking corpse lily? (Google them, they are real plant names!)

To some people, a name doesn’t mean an awful lot and is just something they go by. They will be called all sorts by all different people, but to others, their name embodies their entire identity, heritage, and very much sets them apart, making them feel seen.

Now to some of you, you may think my name isn’t that unusual, I expect those from north of the border may agree. Of Scottish descent I’ve only ever met one person called Kirstine with the same spelling in my just over 40 years on this earth. But recently I’ve started to notice more and more people mispronouncing or misspelling it so I wanted to share how it feels to be on the receiving end.

It can be a genuine mistake – I get that – the human mind does not read every letter by itself but rather the word as a whole. The ‘autocorrect’ option both in speech and text for my name is ‘Kristine’. I’ll certainly let you off for that, it has all the same letters just two the wrong way round. However, it’s when I get called Kirsten or Kirsty that I get a bit irked. I added the phonetic spelling to my work email signature a little while ago: This is how to say my name: Kursteen Clark. Sadly I’m not entirely sure it’s made an awful lot of difference. I do live in hope though.

As someone with a name which isn’t one you see every day, I make real effort to conscientiously spell and pronounce other people’s names correctly as I think it shows real consideration and respect. A lot of the time the mispronunciation of a name is done with no ill intent but that doesn’t mean it isn’t felt by the recipient. Unconscious bias may also come into play but doesn’t make the mistake any less irresponsible or unprofessional.

Can I ask that everyone takes a second when replying to an email or addressing a person to ensure they are addressing that person correctly and if unsure, check? I am never offended if asked, ‘am I saying your name right?’ and certainly makes it easier (and not to mention, less awkward) than having to cut them off and correct them.

We all have the power to promote a more diverse, inclusive, and accepting culture. Pronouncing names correctly shows respect and signals inclusion. So out of consideration, let’s make a real effort to get it right.

* Originally written for my employer's intranet EDI Champions page on 13 September 2023.