A woman has shared her shock after discovering her former school friend's real name is Aiyough, not the simpler spelling she used. The revelation came years after they lost touch, and the woman now hopes her friend will change it to avoid further embarrassment.
Discovery of the Real Name
The friend went by "Io" (pronounced eye-oh) throughout middle school. The woman said she always thought it was unusual but never questioned it until she found out the actual spelling. The friend would deliberately use the simpler spelling out of embarrassment.
Taking to Reddit, the woman wrote: "When I was in middle school, I had a friend who went by 'Io' (eye-oh). She would always spell it 'Io' out of embarrassment, so imagine my surprise when I found out how it's spelt. Aiyough. AIYOUGH."
She added: "Honestly, I feel so bad for her. I haven't seen her since I left for high school, but good god, I hope she gets it changed eventually."
Reactions to the Name
The Reddit post sparked debate, with many sharing their thoughts on the name. One joked: "That is the sound at the end of the Home Improvement theme song." Another said: "Oh no! That's awful. It reminds me of Old McDonald's farm." A third commented: "It sounds like a sneeze."
However, others defended the name. One pointed out: "Io is a legit Greek name. She was the ancestress of Perseus, Heracles, Cadmus and others."
How to Change Your Name in the UK
While no one deserves to be bullied or judged over their name, there are easy ways to change it if you dislike it. First, pick the exact spelling and format you'll use everywhere, including middle names, and make sure it matches what you want on official documents.
Next, choose the type of deed poll. An unenrolled deed poll means you create and sign the document yourself and use it to update records. It's widely accepted and keeps your details more private. However, an enrolled deed poll is registered through the courts in England and Wales, creating a public record, so it's not for everyone.
Typically, you sign in the presence of two witnesses who are adults. Witnesses should usually not be close family and must be able to confirm that they saw you sign. They add their names, addresses and signatures. Many organisations won't keep your original deed poll and may want an original or certified copy, so having multiple copies makes updates faster.
Finally, it's good to update your key documents, such as your driving licence, passport, electoral roll, bank details, and utility bills. Keep proof of your old name where needed, as this could help you clear security checks in the future.
