More than half of Britons with non-English names have shortened or Anglicized them in an effort to be treated more fairly, according to a study by language learning app Preply. The research indicates that a significant number of individuals believe their culturally distinctive names place them at a disadvantage, leading some to alter their self-introductions on job applications or use Anglicized versions only in professional settings.
Names of Arabic, Hindi, Spanish, and Turkish origins appear to be among the most affected. The study noted that some names, such as Kashif and Juanita, are no longer appearing in recent birth records, while others like Vishal and Ikra have seen notable declines. Experts at Preply stated that the disappearance of these names reflects a broader trend where pressures related to pronunciation, acceptance, and bias are reshaping the names passed to the next generation.
This phenomenon is not exclusive to everyday individuals. Several prominent figures in the UK have also modified their names. Sir Ben Kingsley, born Krishna Pandit Bhanji, adopted his stage name believing his birth name would limit his acting opportunities. Freddie Mercury, born Farrokh Bulsara, and Sir Mo Farah, born Hussein Abdi Kahin, are other examples. Actress Thandiwe Newton was credited as 'Thandie Newton' for three decades due to a misspelling in her first film's credits before reclaiming her original spelling in 2021. Helen Mirren, born Ilyena Lydia Mironoff, had her family name changed by her Russian father in the 1950s to improve his employment prospects and remove obstacles for his children.
Madeline Enos, a spokeswoman for Preply, commented that a name is more than just a word; it can represent a person's identity, history, and heritage. She added that while for some, shortening or Anglicizing a name is a personal choice, for others, it signifies pressure to make their name more accessible to those around them.
Preply's analysis also found that 82% of people with non-Anglo names experience frequent mispronunciation, and 52% have had their names avoided or changed without their consent. Nearly three-quarters reported feeling angry, frustrated, or embarrassed due to repeated mispronunciations, and over half indicated they would choose more English-sounding names for their children. A review of birth records shows that while births to non-UK mothers increased by 63% since 2003, distinct non-Anglo baby names only rose by 22%. This suggests parents may be selecting familiar names to reduce the risk of mispronunciation or bias, potentially impacting the diversity of linguistic heritage passed down.
Preply has developed an International Phonetic Alphabet guide to assist with name pronunciation. The organization highlights that correctly pronouncing names is a simple act of respect and consideration, aiming to make language a bridge rather than a barrier.