Do People with Really Common Names Find it Weird Knowing People with the Same Name as Them?

Case Studies and Experiences

My father, Richard Johnson, a rather common name, once received a notice that his insurance had covered his wife's surgery. This wife, Nila, was not a common name, mine was too. However, the surgery took place in another state, while my mother had never been there for any medical procedure.

It turned out that another individual, named Richard Johnson, was married to another Nila, working for the same company in a different state and using the company's insurance plan. More alarmingly, in yet another instance, a man named Richard Johnson shot his wife in our town, whom he was married to under a different name. It had reached a point where my mother would frequently receive phone calls from people checking if she was alright because of these unfortunate incidents.

In another event, the mortuary called to arrange Dad's funeral. Fortunately, he was at home and answered the phone. It was discovered that the hospital had mistakenly given them records belonging to the wrong person with the same name! He advised them, 'Please do not tell my mother; it would upset her.'

The Quirks of Common and Uncommon Names

Does someone with a very common surname, such as Smith or Jones, ever feel weird when meeting someone with the same name? Or is it merely amusing, and a chance for a good laugh? According to some, it's more than just a common occurrence; it's an ingrained part of daily life.

The question expands if you're dealing with an uncommon name. I have a friend whose surname originated in Lebanon but whose ancestors migrated to Scotland approximately 400 to 500 years ago. When he encounters someone bearing the same surname, there's a good chance they share common Scottish ancestry, or if the spelling matches, they share more recent Lebanese ancestry. If the name sounds alike with a variation in spelling, the connection is to older Lebanese origins.

He finds these encounters fascinating, not weird. His true concern lies in the three people who share his forename in this country and the one person exactly his age, with the same professional background, who came from England decades ago. It's perplexing because he's never met this person, yet they swear they are the same.

Uncommon Experiences with Common Names

If you inherit an uncommon surname, you might wonder about the probability of meeting someone with the same name. My friend's name, although rare, has a peculiar twist. Despite its rarity, there are three people in this country with the same forename, and one person with the exact same name in full, about the same age, even with the same profession, but hailing from England a few decades ago. This has happened since he was a teenager.

Moreover, if someone with my actual surname—known to every descendent in the country due to family connections—and even to many distantly related in Scotland and England, encounters an unfamiliar name, the query arises: 'Where have you been hiding for the last 600 years? You do know it's safe for Huguenots now.' This reality is a unique aspect of having a singular, albeit uncommon, name.

Conclusion

Whether it's a common name like Richard Johnson or an uncommon name with intriguing ancestry, the intersection of shared identities can create both amusing situations and intriguing connections. It's a reminder of the vast and intricate web of familial ties that tie people together over time.

Do you have a shared surname story to share? Do you find it weird or fascinating when you encounter someone with the same name as you? Share your experiences in the comments!