My
English Name: A Personal Story Choosing an English name is a common practice for people in non-English speaking countries who interact with native speakers of English at school or work. I was no exception. When I was in high school, I started to go online and join international forums and chat rooms to practice my English skills. I realized that my given name, which is Chinese, was difficult for non-Chinese speakers to pronounce correctly. So, I decided to give myself an English name. I spent a lot of time browsing baby name books and websites. I wanted a name that sounded modern, easy to spell and remember, and had a meaningful or symbolic connection to my personality or interests. My first choice was Ivy, because I liked the sound of it and it represented resilience and growth, two qualities that I thought would be useful in my academic and career pursuits. However, when I shared my new name with my classmates and teachers, some of them teased me by singing "Poison Ivy" or "Ivy League." I felt embarrassed and regretted my choice. Then, I came up with a different name, Emily, which means industriousness and striving. I felt it reflected my positive attitude and strong work ethic. Besides, Emily was a popular name among American girls, so it would make it easier for me to fit in and socialize. I started to use Emily in my email sign-offs, online profiles, and introductions. To my surprise, Emily did not receive the warm welcome I expected. Some people commented that Emily sounded too girly or generic, and that it was hard to distinguish me from other Emily's they knew. Others asked me if I had picked a middle name or if I preferred to be called by my Chinese name instead. I began to doubt my name-changing decision and wondered if I should switch back to my original name, even though it might create more pronunciation and identity issues. However, over time, I discovered that having an English name was not just a matter of convenience or image. It was a way to express myself, to connect with a global community, and to experience a different culture. Emily might not be perfect, but it was a part of my identity that I chose for myself and that represented my aspirations and personality. And, if anyone had a problem with that, it was their problem, not mine. With this mindset, I became more confident in using my English name and more respectful towards others who had different naming preferences or traditions. Nowadays, I still go by Emily in most English-speaking settings, but I also introduce myself with my Chinese name or an explanation of its meaning and how to pronounce it 「学习更多 属相婚配知识请关注 :好姻缘网,Www.HaoYInyUan.cC］）correctly. I believe that having multiple names or identities is not a weakness or a burden, but a sign of versatility and openness. And, who knows, maybe someday I will find another name that feels even more suitable or resonant with my evolving self.