Despite having the shortest name in my graduating class, I probably had the last name most often mispronounced. My whole first and last name is only two syllables; not a lot to screw up there. Yet still, no matter how many times I correct people there are those who think my last name rhymes with "jazz," but (in English) it actually rhymes better with "claws."
Those two words do not sound the same so mispronouncing my name in the typical way is painfully obvious. I think I am so used to it that now I can seamlessly answer to either pronunciation of my last name. Actually come to think of it I don't usually even correct people any more, I just let them call me what they want.
It really gets old having to correct people. No, it's not their fault. My last name is Hispanic, so pronouncing it in English becomes fair game. I've even had Spanish-speakers correct me on how to say my own last name. What a sad life I live huh?
A very English-sounding first name accompanied with a Hispanic last name gets some very interesting combinations of pronunciations.
It won't hurt my feelings to take a shot at pronouncing it correctly. But I'd definitely prefer (if you're interested) an inconspicuous inquiry. I know it's not easy, they even get it wrong in Spain and Puerto Rico (where they call me "Jun"). Just know you won't hurt my feelings by asking.
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| Just take any combination of mispronunciations and go with it... |
Did people call you P+2 for the first half of High School, then get even lazier and drop the +2 the second half? Did they? DID THEY?!
I think there are lots of folks with harder names who end up mispronounced. Still: Your names are one syllable for each! People just aren't really trying to get it right.
I'm going to have to start calling you Yon. At least I'll get the last name right.