Discover the Stories Behind Unique Names That Spark Curiosity and Conversation

Unique names are no longer a rarity; many parents today strive to give their children distinctive names to set them apart. But how does this choice impact their lives as adults, especially for those named Kay or, for example, Lily of the Valley?

How often do you encounter people with uncommon names? Perhaps you are one of those whose name is often mispronounced or repeated for clarification?

The trend of unusual names emerged prominently after the 2000s. Previously, classrooms were filled with many common names like Natasha, Anna, or Nastya, lacking originality. Today, however, the landscape has changed dramatically. Double-barreled names, names inspired by events, or combinations of parents' names are widespread. Numerous All-Victorias, Yasns, Muzs, and others confidently walk across the vast expanses of Russia. But is life easier for them?

Individuals named Kay, Cleopatra, Lily of the Valley, and Selena share their experiences with the most awkward jokes and explain their parents' naming choices.

Sergey + Elena = Selena

Selena Drevina from Nizhny Novgorod works as an administrator at a medical center. When she was born, her parents Sergey and Elena created her name by merging their own, resulting in Selena.

While not very common in Russia, Selena is quite popular in the West. In ancient Greek mythology, Selena was the goddess of the moon. Nowadays, when Selena introduces herself, people often associate her name with the singer Selena Gomez.

"The most common questions I get when meeting someone new are: 'Like singer Gomez?' or 'Gomez, right?!' I usually respond with humor: 'Yes, just like Gomez.' It helps people remember my name by linking it to a celebrity," she shared.

Selena hasn't faced negative reactions; new acquaintances often show genuine interest in the meaning behind her name. Even during job interviews, instead of the usual questions about strengths, she is asked, "Why were you given this name?"

"After I explain, the typical response is: 'Ah, very beautiful and unique.' It’s always nice to hear, even though rare names are becoming more common today," Selena said.

She also recalled a local TV contest where the child with the most unusual name who called in first would win a photo album. "We called in and, as you might guess, won the photo album. It now holds all my childhood pictures."

Tulip? Jasmine? Lily of the Valley!

At 27, Lily of the Valley Krymova owns her own clothing store. Her mother chose the name for her.

"Mom thought the name was cool. When I asked why she picked it, she nervously replied, 'Don’t you like it?'" Lily recalls.

That was the extent of her mother’s explanation, so Lily turned to the internet for answers. She found that the name Lily of the Valley symbolizes a 'need to dominate,' but she disagreed with that interpretation and decided not to attach any particular meaning. Instead, she appreciates that her name resonates with the delicate May flower.

Friends affectionately call her "Lily," but strangers sometimes mistake her name for "Tulip" or "Jasmine." "Older people often 'forget' and call me by these names. I’ve gotten used to it," she says.

Originally from Tatarstan, Lily doesn’t face much confusion or misunderstanding locally, as her name blends in well with other regional names.

"Friends Call Me Cleo"

Cleopatra Fedorova, 24, travels frequently and works as a translator in China. Due to the pandemic, she has spent the last two years living in Moscow. She admits she has never met anyone else with her name, which is not surprising.

"My parents thought long and hard about my name. They had three options: Anastasia, Ekaterina, and Cleopatra. I find it surprising because Cleopatra doesn’t seem to belong in the same list as common names. They went to the library, borrowed books on names, and chose carefully," Cleopatra explains.

Her name has Greek origins and means "glory of the father."

"Maybe that’s why my dad picked it," she jokes.

As a child, she was often reminded of Egypt and Caesar. Now, she frequently has to provide identification because people find it hard to believe such a name exists. Naturally, this can be frustrating.

"Friends call me Cleo, and my dad used to call me Patra. Some friends find the name heavy, so they use cute nicknames like kitty or cupcake," she notes.

With her colleagues in China, where she lived before the lockdown, it was easier. She didn’t have to explain her name’s origin because she adopted the pseudonym Yang Venling, meaning 'purified jade.' She was told this 'stone' name suits determined people.

"Where’s Your Gerda?"

Kai Kuklin, a veterinarian from Kazan, never asked his parents why they named him Kai. He is very happy with his name, appreciating its brevity.

He isn’t bothered by people forgetting or mispronouncing his name, but he does find some jokes tiresome.

"People often confuse my name in public places, calling me Kim or Hai. I don’t pay much attention. What annoys me is when people repeatedly ask my name, not believing it. Also, the silly joke: 'Where’s your Gerda?'" Kai shared.

Photos: social media, Shutterstock/FOTODOM

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