What's in a Name: Embrace the Bhan

With my name spelled and pronounced the way it is, you have *no idea* -- I mean NO IDEA -- how many nicknames I've had over the years. When I was born, so the story goes, my 3- and 5-year old brother and sister couldn't pronounce my name so they called me Shebon. As a result, my family and closest friends have always called me Bon (now spelled Bhan). In middle and high school, I was Shibby or Sio. A friend accidentally called me Slobodan and I quickly put an end to tolerating nicknames that connect me with war criminals. There was also 'Swabahot,' which I liked for it's ethnic connotation. Update: In front of colleagues, one buddy called me Shabooty. And a college roommate just reminded me of Shivvers.

Once I got to college turned 21 I even had a 'bar name' which I gave up three years ago as part of a New Years resolution. Imagine the scene: a crowded, noisy bar on a Saturday night. I look hot and a guy tries to hit on me. 

"Hey, what's your name?" 

"Siobhan!" 

"WHAT?!" 

"SIOBHAN!" 

"WHAT?!?" 

"AMY. MY NAME IS AMY!" 

"Oh, Amy, nice to meet you. I'm {{a jackass}}." 

I used 'Amy' also for restaurant reservations, picking up my food order at Panera, etc. It only became complicated when I was out with my friend Amy. Luckily, however, she often went by 'Stephanie' and I call her La La. 

In my late 20s, it was clearly time to Embrace the Bhan. Now I go through the process of explaining the pronunciation -- and occasionally my entire heritage -- anytime I whip out a credit card, my drivers' license, or my first name in general. 100% of the time, people are courteous and even complimentary about my name.

I wouldn't have it any other way. Thanks, parents. I love my name.

P.S. I updated the "Siobhan" Wikipedia page to include the phonetic spelling I used through fifth grade.