A name is often the second, if not first, thing we learn when we meet a new person. Those whose names are considered “unusual,” “ethnic-sounding,” or “creative” can have a pretty dramatic experience, just introducing themselves.

From having their name mispronounced, to being asked where they’re from or if they wouldn’t mind going by a nickname, these folks are forced to think critically about how they present. This story seeks to go beyond these names to understand the intentions that inspired them, explore the experiences associated with them, and celebrate those who own them.