I’m Eva – mostly known for my strangely long and complicated surname. Another funny thing about my name is that although it’s spelt like ‘Eva’ it’s pronounced ‘Ava’. Sometimes I do wonder if my parents ever considered the fact I’d go on to constantly have to correct my name to everyone who called me Eva. That’s not to say I don’t like my name. I love that it’s not what it says on paper. My surname’s the real adventure. I get endless amusement watching my friends struggle to pronounce it in one go.
Phiasanaxay. Go on have a try.
Imagine you’re standing on Brighton Pier. That’s your first syllable.
Now, look down at what you’re holding—an axe. There’s your second.
Finally, your eye starts to twitch.
That’s always how I’ve explained it to people. They still manage to say it wrong half the time.