“And-ree-sack.”
“And-rye-sack.”
“Kah-nee-zee And-rih-ski.”
“Kenzie … sorry, I can’t pronounce that.”
These are examples of the many awkward and incorrect ways that people have pronounced my name. To give them the benefit of the doubt, I have a pretty uncommon last name. But most of the time, people don’t even try to pronounce it and instead just stick with my first name.
To some it may not seem like a big deal. But on the receiving end, it feels personal.
A person’s name is their identity. It represents who they are and where they come from. So, others should put more focus into learning how to pronounce their peers’ names.
In classrooms, workplaces and even friend groups, this problem occurs more often than people realize. Even if it’s not on purpose, it still has a negative effect. When someone hears their name constantly butchered, ignored or replaced with an unasked-for nickname, it can make them feel very uncomfortable and unwelcome.
According to a study done by Race Equality Matters, 73% of people surveyed have had their name mispronounced. Of that group, many felt negative emotions, such as embarrassment, disrespect and frustration, corresponding to it.
This leads to a much larger issue of microaggressions. When a name, specifically one from a minority culture, is repeatedly said wrong, it can go from a simple mistake to an act of discrimination.
Mispronouncing someone’s name may not seem like a big deal. But when it happens constantly, it can make someone feel like their culture isn’t important or worth learning about.
It also reinforces a concerning pattern that if names are considered to be “too ethnic” or “too hard,” then they get brushed aside, while more American names are treated with respect. This doesn’t just affect one’s feelings but also the opportunities they are given and how they are treated.
Pronouncing a name wrong is inevitable. Nobody expects perfection, and mispronunciations are bound to happen. But what truly matters is the approach. Ask how to say it and make the effort to get it right. Sometimes practicing it over and over again is needed. It doesn’t take long, but it makes a lasting impact.
No one should feel ashamed for having an uncommon name. Unique names are not a problem. It’s how people respond to them that is.
So for those like me who have their name often mispronounced or ignored, make sure to speak up. You have the right to correct someone. Your name matters, and it deserves to be respected.
And for the record, my name is Kenzie Andrysiak. It is pronounced Ken-zee An-dree-zee-ack. And yes, it is uncommon, but not impossible to pronounce.
