How do you respond when asked, "What's your last name?" (Atlanta: business)

[Pacifico]

I've noticed when people around here are asked what their last name is, either in person or by phone, they will more often than not spell it out letter by letter. Even a very common, straightforward name. For example 'Jones'. Is this distinct to Atlanta or GA in general?

[myspoonistoobig]

I don't normally ask people what their last name is but if someone asks me I usually say it and then spell it. Especially if it's over the phone.

But I'm from NY though.

[Iconographer]

I do spell it. It's Iranian.

[lorilove]

I typically say it and spell it - primarily because there are similar names (phonetically) that are spelled differently.

It is the combination of two simple four letter words. Typically someone will struggle to spell it and they when they see it on paper they smile and realize how easy it is.

[PKCorey]

Just say it and tell them, it's with an E on the end.

[Mattie]

We spell it. Our last name is a shortened version of a loooooong Polish surname. Even at it's current length, it is not a commonly heard name.

[gerrythesnake]

I say "it isnt your m______g business idiot"

[dblackga]

I spell mine out if someone is trying to write it down or enter it into a computer, even though it is one of the the most basic words in the English language. However, given that, I STILL have people ask me how to spell it -- no one can believe it's THAT easy. Even when I spell it out, people look at it oddly and say, "Really?" *sigh*

Given the number of, shall we say, "unique" spellings of perfectly straight-forward names in the last 30 years, though, I can hardly blame them.

[neil0311]

Originally Posted by Pacifico

I've noticed when people around here are asked what their last name is, either in person or by phone, they will more often than not spell it out letter by letter. Even a very common, straightforward name. For example 'Jones'. Is this distinct to Atlanta or GA in general?

I spell mine, but I've done that for years, and has less to do with Atlanta and more a desire to make sure it's spelled correctly.

Many in Atlanta and the south aren't used to non-WASP names, as opposed to other parts of the country where there are more with immigrant ancestors and names are less WASP-like (think Hispanic, Italian, Jewish, and other ethnic names). People here seem much less able to simply sound out a name phonetically if your name isn't Smith, Jones, or something southern like Scoggins.

For example, many people here will call me on the phone and ask for "Mr. Neil" or they will butcher my last name. I was never called "Mr. Neil" up north.