Should I ask coworkers to pronounce my name differently? I much prefer "Less-lee" to "Lez-lee."

Question

My name is spelled "Leslie" and I always introduce myself as "Less-lee" with an "s" sound. Most first names have only one pronunciation, but mine has two. Practically everyone I work with uses the one I dislike and do not identify with.

Answer 1

If you so strongly dislike the more common pronounciation, than surely, go with Less-lee. Most people are likely unaware that they are saying it in a way that you dislike, or that there are 2 ways to say the name, so I'm sure they will be more than willling to make an effort to change.

Answer 2

Yes, but do it the right way. Just by stepping out and saying that your name is pronounced unlike the usual pronunciation, you are going to make an impression and it will bring a little extra focus on you. Make sure you are sweet and courteous when you ask them, and then it will be a positive impression. You don't want to be crabby or nag about it. Try to make it light, or joke around.

"My last boss called me Lezlie. Now he eats through a straw." Also, don't use this example if you weigh more than 140. You want people to know you're joking.

Answer 3

I've never heard the name Leslie pronounced any way other than Lez-lie and I'm 52. I think you'll have hard time trying to implement your chosen pronunciation

Answer 4

The next time someone calls you by your name using the "z" sound, politely correct them saying "I'm sorry, but it's Less. Not Lez". Eventually they'll get the picture! I certainly hate it when people mispronounce my name as well. I once had to literally write it down and sound it out to someone! And it's not even a difficult name to pronounce! "Kristin" shouldn't be that hard to get out!

This really reminds me of when I got a job as a waitress. I've always gone by Kristin which is my middle name, but when I filled out my application I had to put my first name (of course). Even though I put that I like to be called by my middle name in the "additional notes" section of the application and kept correcting all three of the managers, they all still insisted on calling me by my first name. They even put my first name on my name tag! Talk about confusing!

Good luck!

Answer 5

Well having the same name as you. definatly correct them. do it politely the first few times. After that don't answer the person. I have done this with family. It would get on my last nerve. They now pronounce my name correctly if I am to answer them.

From one Leslie to another!

Answer 6

Thats nit picking, but why not. Only do it once though since its only a slight mistake that is easy to be made.


There is one lady at my job whos name is spelled "Debra" so everyone pronounces it that way. But its really pronounced "Deebra" as in "Zebra". Thats an apparent mistake though. Not as subtle as yours.

Just be happy they haven't gotten over zealous and called you "Lez"

Answer 7

sounds kinda nit picky, at least there saying the right name and calling the wrong one. If it truly bothers you then you should correct them, just tell them that its leslie and play up the S. Like saying :lessss lie

Answer 8

Yes, correct them for sure. If they are not pronouncing your name correctly, then in my opinion they are not really using the right name.

Answer 9

I agree, let them know your preference... I get the same thing.. My name is Diana, but I get Diane alot... In my opinion, the two are completely different names.... If my parents had wanted me called Diane, they would have named me that.

Answer 10

Yes, you should tell them. They probably do not even realize they are saying it incorrectly.