Why do people ask "Where does your name come from"?

HeartyBeast, 6 months ago

It sounds a bit odd and I don’t think they are really interested in the origin of my name.

It’s taken them by surprise, it’s offered a conversational opening that expresses interest in you. The alternatives

• nice weather we are having
• so how do you know $mutual-acquaintance?
• What do you do?

I understand you might find it a bit wearing , but I honestly don’t think it’s problematic

essellburns, 7 months ago

I get asked because it’s unusual, most people never heard of it before. Some assume it’s a nickname.

And when I tell them where in the world it’s from their next question is whether I have a cultural connection to that culture.

morphballganon, 7 months ago

I don’t think they are really interested in the origin of my name

Why is this far-fetched to you?

If someone introduced themselves as a name I’d never heard before, I’d be curious. Maybe they just want to chat and you gave them an easy topic.

Devi, 7 months ago

That's exactly it. They're trying to ask your ethnic background in a roundabout way.