First of all, if my parents are reading this, I have one question: why? Now, moving on to the rest of you, being a girl with a guy’s name is a struggle. Try having people find 20 guys on Facebook with your name before they find you. Basically, thori bohot emotional scarring hoti hai.

If you, too, are a girl with what is considered to be a guy’s name, you’ll probably be able to relate to the following:

1. Your parents insist that the name is unisex

Not that they’re fooling anyone, but your parents will keep telling you that the name can apply to both girls and guys. They may even look up some examples and assure you that you’re not the only one.

2. But you don’t buy it

You’ve probably convinced yourself that your name is what it is because your parents were being lazy. However, you’ll still try to look for silver linings. Since, you know, it’s your name and you’re stuck with it for life.

3. When people meet you for the first time, they’ll always say, “Yeh larkay ka naam nahi hai?”

Haan larkay ka naam hai,  but thank you for pointing it out. Obviously haven’t been hearing this our entire lives, guys. Thanks.

4. They’ll also go on to mention how they know a guy with that name

Yes, I’m sure you know a guy who has the same name. There are many people who have similar names. But it’s always great to be reminded.

5. “Aap ke maa baap ko beta chahiye hoga” – Everyone that has ever existed in your life

You’ve probably had countless people tell you that your parents were expecting a son and had a daughter instead. I mean, maybe they just liked the name? That may just be a possible scenario, too.

But yeah, they’re probably right.

6.  Your entire childhood has probably consisted of the question, “Tum larka ho kya?”

Wohi ek joke sun sun kar banda tang aa jata hai. Like – you can see I’m not a guy. It’s extremely evident. Funny bhi nahi hai. Ajeeb. 

7. They’ll ask you for the meaning of your name, hoping there’s something feminine about it

NOPE. With your luck, though, your name will probably have a generic, gender-neutral meaning.

Which is fine. After all, what’s in a name?

8. If you like things that are deemed to be ‘masculine’ by society, they’ll comment on how it’s naam ka asar

Naam ka asar is not a thing. How does that even make sense, scientifically? There’s absolutely no logic behind it. Matlab, banda thora soch hee leta hai before speaking.

9. Dealing with teachers is a struggle

“Yeh larkay ka naam hai ya larki ka?” 

*cue immature laughter from classmates*

10. You’ve probably been told at least once in your life ke naam change karlo

People chime in with opinions galore, telling you how you should opt for a more feminine name taake asaani hojaye. Never mind the fact that you may actually like your name.

11. You’re basically the training wheel sibling – baaki sab ke naam are completely fine

Every other sibling of yours will have a completely normal name. Your parents probably just used you to test waters. And now, you have to suffer the consequences.

12. When your female friends mention you, other people assume you guys are scening

Since it’s a guy’s name, people will automatically ask ke kya chal raha hai. Some of your friends might even use this to their advantage and make others jealous.

13. But eventually, you get used to it

Ab jab aadat ho hee gayi hai toh you get used to not complaining. Aur choice bhi nahi hoti, waisay. Just have to live with it.

Are you a girl with a name that’s considered to be traditionally masculine? Have we missed any struggle you face? Let us know in the comments.

Cover image via Hum Network Limited