A Traditiona​lly Male Name

Today at work, I received an email from an employee at another one of my company’s offices, which was meant to be received by only males. Why did I receive it? Because, traditionally, Evann (or Evan) is a male name.

I once wrote a post about how being a redhead has helped me become very comfortable having a conversation with just about anyone. My unique natural hair color warrants a lot of comments, compliments, and questions. The more I think about it, the more I realize how my unusual (for a female) first name has done the same thing. After receiving the email, I replied to the sender and kindly explained that I am not, in fact, male but could still provide an answer to his question. The sender felt incredibly bad about his mistake. However, I wasn’t and have never been offended by that sort of thing. If anything, having a unique name has been a blessing that has helped me stand out and speak up.

My parents named me Evann simply because they liked the name, but the spelling is very intentional. The -ann, which includes an extra N than the traditional spelling, comes from the fact that my grandmothers’ names were Clara Ann and Anna Claire. People tend to like that explanation but are confused by the spelling until they hear me say my name.

“Is the second N silent?”
“Do you pronounce both Ns?”
“Is your name E-vonnn?”
“Why aren’t you a guy?”

No, no, no, and because I’m not. And, no, none of those questions have ever hurt my feelings. People might sound a little crazy, but they’re only asking because they don’t know me. Okay, well, they should be able to answer that last question.

When I was young, having a unique name made me uncomfortable. When you’re in elementary school, you want to be like everyone else. You want to be like the Jessica Anns, Sarah Maries, and Lauren Elizabeths. But I’m Evann Paige. I eventually grew to love my name and was only slightly irritated that I could never find it on those keychains you can buy at Disney World.

I now see how well my name fits who I’ve become. (Way to go, Mom and Dad!) I’ve even been told by people who know me well that Evan(n) seems more female than male to them. I also notice and appreciate other unique names, especially traditionally male names used for females. I will likely choose a traditionally male name for my daughter someday. Knowing that it has made me more comfortable correcting acquaintances, has made me look gender neutral on paper (no discrimination!), and has given me more reason than being a redhead to stand out. While everyone’s name is special because it has a story or was chosen by someone important, I am especially partial to unique names. Do you have or know anyone who has one?

By