For many Nigerians working in the UK, their native names carry history, meaning, and identity. But in workplaces where those names are unfamiliar, misspellings and mispronunciations are a common frustration.

This week, a discussion in the Nigerians in the UK community on X (formerly Twitter) drew hundreds of responses after one member, Odim N’obi, posed a question that resonated widely:


Correct — and Correct Immediately

Several users stressed the importance of addressing mistakes directly and early.

“It’s important to correct colleagues immediately when they mispronounce your name,” advised Osqaure. “Your name is an essential part of your identity, and it’s better to encourage colleagues to get it right than to diminish its significance.”

Another contributor, Funmi Banke, agreed: “Correct them. Not rudely, but let them know you prefer it spelt correctly as there is a meaning to your name. If it continues, it’s deliberate microaggression.”

Tèmi added that consistency matters most: “I just repeat the right pronunciation and/or spelling every time, kindly. If they struggle, I give them a quick way to remember it. Clear but not confrontational.”

Shorten or Simplify?

For others, the reality of workplace dynamics has led to compromises.

Ajibade Adekunle shared how colleagues often called him “Kunli, Kuli or Aldi” instead of Adekunle. “But I don’t mind sha,” he wrote, noting that only a few colleagues in his company go by their native names.

Some, like Ade, decided to shorten their names entirely: “I’ve shortened mine to ADE. I still get called Adi and Ado. I just leave them to God.”

Opeyemi also admitted to often going by Ope: “Some try to get the pronunciation, others mess it up. I don’t really mind the pronunciation, but the spelling sometimes makes me sigh.”

Spelling Is Just as Important

While pronunciation is often the focus, spelling mistakes can be just as frustrating.

“Getting the spelling of a name wrong is particularly annoying,” wrote Square, “especially since colleagues may have seen your name in emails or shared documents. Some even deliberately misspell names, which can be a form of subtle racism.”

Amaka suggested a practical fix: “You could add the literal spelling to your email signature too. They still miscalled my very English name yesterday.”

Another user, Elemona, even included a pronunciation guide in their signature: “Mine says ‘pronounced as E-Lemon-Aaahhh.’ Most people will try to get it. And really, that’s all you can hope for.”

A Matter of Respect

For many, the discussion was not just about convenience but about respect.

“I won’t respond to you if you won’t do your best to pronounce my name properly,” said Popoola Adeboye. “If I see you are trying, then I correct you.”

Somtochukwu takes a more hands-on approach: “I wear my name tag exactly how I want to be called. I also correct immediately and make you say it with me.”

Others, like Arochukwu, take the view that patience is necessary: “I’m not in my native land, so I fully expect my name to be unfamiliar to people — as many names are unfamiliar to me too.”

Between Identity and Adaptation

Not everyone insists on full accuracy. Some contributors admitted they had learned to adapt, either by switching to initials, like Akanni, or by adopting a “UK version” of their name, like Shoby.eth.

“It’s important that your coworkers can associate you with a name that seems natural to them,” Shoby explained. “E get why.”

Yet for others, adaptation feels like a loss. As Odim, who started the discussion, reflected:

“I know my name is hard to pronounce, but I can’t shorten it. From the comments, I think I’ll just correct them nicely the next time and pray they don’t take offence.”

The Bigger Picture

Whether by correcting with a smile, offering a shortened version, or quietly letting mistakes slide, Nigerians in the UK face a balancing act between asserting their identity and navigating workplace harmony.

As one user, Olugbenga, summed it up: “It is always your duty to make sure your name is spelt right. Names carry meaning, and that meaning shouldn’t be lost in translation.”

For many, the message is clear: a name is more than letters or sounds. It is heritage, memory, and pride — and getting it right matters.