> Try having it spelled 'Maryam'. Everyone thinks that 'm' is really supposed to be two 'n's. Or, if I tell them my name aloud, I get 'Mariam', 'Miriam', 'Mary Ann', etc. I automatically spell my name out after I say it by now. With emphasis on the final 'm'.
>
> Aya"was almost named Sparkle"ko

"Yes, could I have your first and last names?"

"Ticia Thornton."

"Tesha Thorton?"

"No, Ticia. T. I. C. I. A."

"Oh, Ticia. Ok. Ticia Thorton."

"No. ThorNton. T. H. O. R. *N.* T. O. N."

"Ah, Thornton. Ok...."

Ti'has had this conversation too many times to count.'cia