I have (some would say, ha) an unusual name. The kind of name that people raise their eyebrows at because they’re not sure if they’ve heard me properly. For those of you who don’t know, it’s India. Like the country, yep! 
Having an usual name is something I’ve obviously lived with all my life (duh) and it’s taught me a few things, so I thought I would share them with you. It’s nothing significant or life changing but it’s my name and it’s my blog so what can you do?
Kids and unusual names don’t mix
In primary school, I got chased around the playground with a brick. Seriously. Because “India isn’t a name, it’s a country”. Although that’s the most serious case, I was bullied pretty much daily up until I was 14 about my name, and got the odd nasty or stupid comment until I was around 17. My last name is Benjamin, so I had the added bonus of being a girl with a boy’s name for a last name. Joy!
However, horrible as that was almost everyone loves my name now. I guess kids just aren’t mature enough to handle unusual names eh?
People hate asking if they’ve heard you right
Sometimes when I say my name, people get really awkward and obviously think they’ve heard incorrectly but instead of clarifying, they’ll avoid calling me anything. Or call me Lydia or Linda or something. If I see someone make that unsure face, I’ll let them know that yes in fact I am named after a country.
Everyone wants to know the reason behind it
Once, a customer asked me if I was conceived in India. At 16, I didn’t want to talk about my parents having sex! I actually have the worlds most boring reason behind my name; my parents wanted to call me Dee, my grandma made the point (and thankfully so) that it was an initial and somehow they ended up on India. Who knows how. None of my family call me India though, just Indie.
People have to tell you how unusual it is
I get people constantly telling me what an unusual name it is. Like, gee I didn’t realise thanks. This doesn’t satisfy people though, they’ll have to say just how unusual it is. For five minutes. And I have to pretend like I care. Which I don’t because I’ve heard the conversation a thousand times!
People will remember you more
Back in my school days, I would meet people who knew of me because I knew one of their friends and my name had stuck out in conversation. That was a bit unnerving. Nowadays, it’s actually quite good for networking purposes. My name stands out in those first few seconds and that can be all it takes for someone to notice me.
Nothing comes with your name on
No seriously, nothing. I can’t even count how many souvenirs, presents, cards, jewellery and whatever has been given to me with “special sister”, “special daughter” and whatever crap on it. When I went to India, I took pictures of EVERYTHING with my name on because I was so giddy to finally see it! Also, Coke now have India on a bottle but I am yet to find one!
I used to hate being called India, and all I wanted was a normal name. Hannah, if I remember right. Which was actually what my parents were going to call my older brother when they thought he was a girl (he’s called Alasdair, and my little sister is called Eva so we’re all lumped with unusual names!). Although it is a pain in the arse sometimes, on the whole I’m happy with my name. I’d definitely call any kids unusual names if I have them, sure they’ll get some ribbing as a kid but I think as an adult having an unusual name can make you stand out and shine. What’s the story behind your name?
