Vote for The Less Weird Gender-Neutral Name

usherer on 16/12/2017 - 12:12
Last edited 17/12/2017 - 10:32 by 1 other user

I'm applying for jobs in editing, and have come to see that my Asian name would be an obstacle, despite having over ten years of experience in it (albeit having worked in international/British/American organisations, having worked in the UK before, and using English for work all my life).

I used to go by a nickname at my workplace, and see that it's no longer sufficient to do so. My research shows that male, Anglo Saxon names tend to have greater success to get past the first stage, so I am looking for a gender-neutral first name to do that.

I have shortlisted some names and hope you can help identify, using the lens of an Anglo Saxon recruiter, the most ideal one(s), the one that would made you go (in the first 10 secs), "Here is a name I have a soft spot for, belongs to someone who has a good command of the language, and I really want to have a look at their resume".

My preference is for 'Alexi' but I see that some people view it as Russian/Greek, which I have no problem with. However the point of my exercise is, I don't want problems from recruiters and HR.

I am also researching how to modify my last name (Ong).

Thanks!

Poll Options

  • 32
    Alexi
  • 224
    Alexandra
Education & Work

Comments

      • kasumi on 20/12/2017 - 12:09

        well it wasn't always Chang….

  • IPYF on 18/12/2017 - 12:03
    +1

    What kind of roles are you going for, what experience do you have, and what are your formal qualifications? I'm in an editor role in the industry, and have been for a long time. I might be able to provide some more industry-specific advice.

    Publishing in Australia is super-diverse, very female dominated, quite left leaning and easily of the least-racist industries I've ever worked in over the last 20 years. We routinely interview Asian candidates with Asian names, based on their qualifications and the strength of their applications, so while I'm not seeking to dismiss your primary concerns, if you're not being interviewed, there might be more to the story.

    Happy to help if you want to provide more information.

    • usherer on 18/12/2017 - 12:07

      Hi, is there a way for me to PM you?

      • IPYF on 18/12/2017 - 12:57

        No need for it really as I don't have trade or company secrets, regrettably don't have an inside scoop for you, and I'm definitely not looking for specifics about your life. Just a rough indication of where you hope to land (small/large scale trade, education, journals, magazines etc. etc.) and what level of qualification you have.

        As you're might be aware, this is a staggeringly competitive industry in Australia when compared with the overall remuneration. The reasons are complex, but it's generally viewed as a pretty hip job, so the bigger schools are getting lots of enrollments and pumping grads into an already crowded marketplace. Everyone who pops out the other side wants to be a copyeditor, so most of the trade publishers are fielding a huge amount of applicants for editorial roles. Up to like 300 people per job in some instances. Also, a bunch of the big papers recently shed their editors because they didn't want to pay for subs and proofing anymore, sending their work offshore. This means that there's a tonne of underemployed but highly qualified and experienced editors are just poking about the major cities.

        Placing the name thing to the side, it is tough out there, so be prepared to have to spend quite some time working the angles. My advice would be to contact some publishing houses and ask about internships. Almost every person I know got in via an internship of some form and lots of people do a bunch. Also, apply for roles that the schoolkids don't want like Production, data entry, customer service, warehouse operations etc. They're not sexy roles, so people don't go for them and there's less competition. Also look at smaller less obvious businesses like legal organisations/banking companies who are looking for internal document editors. The grads don't tend to go for these as they require proven experience and you might have more luck there.

        Good luck with it.

        • usherer on 18/12/2017 - 13:48

          It was more to do with your questions about my former roles, which are quite unique and I didn't want to share them publicly. Well, desired roles would be in digital comms and web editorial. I'm looking for similar roles in government agencies and NGOs.

          Your comment is revealing - those retrenched editors might be competing for the same roles I'm looking for too, even if it's not in publishing.

          A quick search on Seek doesn't turn up results when I use the search terms, internal document editor/internal editor. What other related terms are there? I usually use 'editor', which hardly shows up internal editing jobs.

        • IPYF on 18/12/2017 - 14:08

          @usherer: Cool. Looks like we don't have a lot of crossover in common, which is fine. Regarding Seek, my best understanding is that most of the editing roles fall under the category of 'Advertising, Arts, and Media' so just reviewing that feed with no search terms added is usually a good move. Drilling down further can inadvertently lead to you missing a bunch of jobs that were incorrectly filed.

          Also, if you have a background and experience in not-for-profits, check out the Ethical Jobs website. There's a bunch of jobs that go through there that are not posted to other job sites like Seek, and often there are roles for content creators and digital copywriters. Usually they're smaller enterprises. Obviously, check the website of your local council pretty regularly. Councils really like publishing people and most people in the industry try to escape to the public service when they can't live on publishing pay anymore.

  • daleyboy79 on 18/12/2017 - 12:05

    Zohan!

  • Lucky13s on 18/12/2017 - 12:27

    I'm not sure what the fuss is. Maylee Ong is a perfect name. If needed you could shorten your first name to May. If the company wants to work with you, your name shouldn't be the hindrance. Some companies aren't naive and love to have a multicultural talent pool. Who knows Maylee Ong could sound exotic as well. All you need is to increase your professional network. Most successful job opportunities come when you meet the hiring people directly through your network, sometimes the 1st meeting at a networking event is your first interview, hence always be prepared for that. Anyway, best of luck with the job hunt.

  • bargaino on 18/12/2017 - 13:39
    +2

    A little history:

    Because of the dramatic differences in sounds of English and Chinese, and the tones, it has long been normal for people to have both a "western" name and a Chinese name. This includes westerners in China, who choose the characters, not just sounds, of their Chinese name.

    It is relatively recent for people to use a Pinyin version (minus the tonal marks) of a Chinese given name instead, so it marks you as "fresh off the boat" and may have cultural problems. Whereas Richard Wong was probably born or at least educated here and will fit right in. Richard probably has a Chinese name too, and it does not matter which is on the birth certificate.

    • usherer on 18/12/2017 - 13:43

      Interesting. I came across one comment where a person changed the name from "Li" to "Lee" to improve their success rates, and I was wondering where that came from.

      • bargaino on 18/12/2017 - 13:45
        +2

        Li is Pinyin, Lee is not. I imagine Lee came here as a kid from Malaysia, while Li came here last year from Zhejiang on a study visa :-)

      • [Deactivated] on 18/12/2017 - 20:47

        Lee name also has English origin.

        Think Andy from Hamish and Andy, as an example.

  • AssamLaksa on 18/12/2017 - 13:43
    +1

    Can confirm that having an English name helps! I was in the exact same dilemma over a year ago. Used my original super Asian name in resume -> can't even get past the first/recruiter stage. Adopted an Anglo-Saxon name and bam! landed a job.

    As much as people want to deny that they do not 'filter' people based on ethnicity, they do so subconsciously no doubt about it.

    You may read about my dilemma here

    Also I agree with your choice of going gender neutral. I do like the name Alex over Alexandra or Alexi though.

    • usherer on 18/12/2017 - 13:52

      Do you know I actually referred to you here! Under the anecdotal evidence section in a comment I wrote. So glad you've got a job! Congrats!

      I've also made changes to my resume using tips from your thread :)

      Can I know:
      - what is your job function?
      - Sector?
      - City?
      - Did you adopt a last name too?

      • AssamLaksa on 18/12/2017 - 14:21
        +1

        Haha thanks! It was a long journey I must say! But I definitely, partially attribute my landing a job to giving myself an English name :)

        A bit of background on myself :
        - I'm from Malaysia, Chinese, but I would say my surname is not very common
        - Currently working as an engineer. I studied at Monash University, but had to move to Sydney for the job.
        - Kept my last name. But as mentioned, my last name isn't an obvious Lee/Tan/Lim.

        And I believe the city you are in is quite a crucial factor as well. Are you looking for roles exclusively in SA or are you willing to move? Sydney has a lot more opportunities compared to the other cities I believe. I was in a position where I had nothing tying me down to Melbourne so I was willing to move if that meant I could get a job!

        Feel free to PM if you need more info. Happy to share my experience.

  • bl1027 on 18/12/2017 - 13:46
    +2

    I am an editor and have a Chinese last name and an Anglo first name. I've never had a problem with finding a job due to my name. Also, in my company, there are other editors with Asian names. I think its not as big an obstacle (if it is at all) as you think. Your experience in other firms will speak louder than your name.

    • usherer on 18/12/2017 - 13:53

      Do you mind sharing the nature of your company? e.g. Are you doing content marketing? Trade publishing? You could PM me if you wish.

      Also, are you an Australian citizen?

    • aerom on 19/12/2017 - 07:12
      +1

      @bl1027 I'm sure you're aware of survivor bias?

  • aong152 on 18/12/2017 - 14:12
    +1

    My name is Alex Ong and I can confirm that having Alex as your first name and Ong as your last name leads you straight to employment, skipping all 5 stages of the interview process.

    • usherer on 18/12/2017 - 14:14

      LOL

      Hopefully I'll get mistakened as you, as you clearly have an outstanding resume.

    • lakers1222 on 20/12/2017 - 07:25
      +2

      username checks out

  • regretfulshopper on 18/12/2017 - 14:22

    I've got a non Anglo name that's relatively easy to pronounce and I've never amended my name for recruiters. What I have found to circumvent that bias is calling and engaging recruiters over the phone before applying. My accent is cosmopolitan (read= sounds white) enough to go over that hurdle.

    Mind you, when I was younger, it was definitely harder because I was sending out resumes without that follow up call.

    • usherer on 18/12/2017 - 14:58

      So you engage with hirers before applying - by asking for details of the job. Do you sometimes apply, then do a follow-up call? It appears that the latter is not welcomed by recruiters.

      I think that there is a hierarchy in the ladder of discrimination, with Chinese names coming in lower than, say, Italian ones.

      Having said that, there are lots of studies that prove that familiarity and ease are psychological hooks that increase the sense of affinity. So while there are success cases, such as you and yours truly (outside of Australia), using non-Anglo names, it doesn't mean that all candidates get treated equally by all hirers, and this (name) is just one less potential obstacle I need to have in this economy.

      • regretfulshopper on 18/12/2017 - 15:13
        +1

        I always call up when I'm interested in a role. I've also found that applying through Linkedin has better results for me ( I've got awards/employer recommendations on that). Recruiters who don't have time to have a quick chat aren't going to be particularly interested in you either way and would be indicator of whether or not you want to work with them.

        BTW, I've got an African name, so I know about name discrimination. And, yes, while there is a dual laziness and comfort in seeking homogeneous environments, changing your name may get you the foot in the door, but if the recruiter wouldn't have picked up your resume because of your name, any preconceived notions they have wouldn't necessarily go away after interviewing you.

        Changing your name is totally up to you and if you find using an alias easier, go for it! I'm merely sharing my experience to let you know that it's not impossible to get a job without doing so and that there are other way to go around.

        • usherer on 18/12/2017 - 18:47

          Thanks, I'll try to flesh out my LinkedIn profile more then. I might reach out to ex-colleagues for testimonials.

  • mwblink86 on 18/12/2017 - 14:29

    Stick with Maylee, I wouldn’t have a problem hiring a person just because of their name

  • leiiv on 18/12/2017 - 15:00
    +1

    Could you come up with a western name that sounds at least a little bit similar to your chinese name? Or perhaps some similarity in meaning? Western names also have origin and meaning too. Changing the surname to King or Long sounds nice.

    I also heard that changing your legal name is pretty easy and straight forward to do here.

    • usherer on 18/12/2017 - 15:09

      It's tough. The difficulties of my name are similar to:
      Ma Yun
      Zhang Ziyi
      Luo Zhixiang

      I have a nickname but it doesn't sound professional, more babyish.

      Going for a legal name change is a bit drastic. I'm going to allow for six more months of job search before thinking along those lines.

      • leiiv on 18/12/2017 - 16:04
        +1

        Though, but not impossible. Also, I do not know how to correctly pronounce those name, but I wonder if Ziyi -> Jeanne is close enough..
        What about the meanings of your given Chinese name?
        For example, Alex is of greek origin and has meaning "to protect, defend, help, repel", which might be no where near the meaning(s) of your Chinese name?

        If your jobs is in fiction, how about using some names from English literature, uncommon to general public, but well-known in your area of expertise?

  • joelmuzz on 18/12/2017 - 15:06
    +1

    Alex sounds fine for your purposes.
    And avoids the overly common use of royalty names so many people chose.

  • ryf on 18/12/2017 - 15:09
    +1

    I understand and empathise with the predicament you are in. I think another poster has mentioned this, but getting face to face time with recruiters is more important that the considerations of your name. I'm making an assumption that you have experience as an editor and your CV will have the keywords that recruiters are looking for to match you with potential jobs. I found in my fairly recent experience with job seeking in a career pivot with an asian background that meeting and networking is key. One time I was told that at first a recruiter did not think i was a potential candidate based on my CV, but when they met me in person they saw something in me which led to an interview. As much as you need recruiters, they also need fantastic candidates like you to make it easier for them.

    I would also look at finding meetups related in your industry and network through these as well. You may find opportunities that don't exist on job websites.

    I'd also be interested to see you do an A/B test with your Anglicised and actual name to see how many responses you get back for each.

    Good luck!

    • usherer on 18/12/2017 - 15:24

      hey, other people have done A/B testing with name changes (no other content change), and I'd listed them above, but I'll past them here again. There are more out there in Whirlpool forums.

      https://jezebel.com/5822293/man-takes-fake-white-name-to-tes…
      • A Sudanese-Australian man was having trouble getting a job interview. So he sent out applications under a fake, white-sounding name — and callbacks started rolling in.

      http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/2245054
      • Same resume', same experience and qual's, same girl applying for same type of job in same city (Perth) and guess what? Several replies, a few interviews and two job offers.

      https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/181652
      • My stepson had a Maori surname. Same as you Enchipher, he would get rejection after rejection. Changed his surname to mine which is English sounding and things changed for him within 6 weeks. I can understand your reluctance to change your name but this may be a viable option. Good luck.

      • I used to work with a fellow who found that changing his last name from "Wong" to "white" got him substantially more replies

      • An Engineering graduate from one of the top four universities in Sydney with a looooong name. Same story as I refused to change my name. Then did a social experiment by applying for the same job with my original name and shortened English sounding name. Surprisingly the shorter name helped, not saying it's racism, but unfair. Now that I have got more experience, happy to use my full name. Government jobs are a bit better when it comes to equality.

      Point taken on meetups and meeting recruiters. While I will do research on recruitment agencies in Melbourne, it seems that you had a positive experience with your recruiter and since we have similar backgrounds, can you share the name of that agency?

      • ryf on 18/12/2017 - 16:28

        Lol, I didn't get that job in the end :( and it was an in house HR recruiter. Looking back, the job that I am currently in and the recruiters that offered me interviews I spoke to were all in house. I was fortunate to get face time with those people which was far more beneficial to me than me applying and waiting. This kinda supports my meeting recruiters comment, but I would say that this was my strength that I understood that I had to utilise it to get where I am.

        • usherer on 18/12/2017 - 16:56

          Did you mean they were in-house HR departments? I'm a bit confused how you can meet them before you were offered an interview.

          "..a recruiter did not think i was a potential candidate based on my CV, but when they met me in person they saw something in me which led to an interview"
          "Get face time"

          Or you met them at networking events?

        • ryf on 18/12/2017 - 17:13
          +1

          Sorry, for the most part I met these people at networking events, with the exception of the example was a slightly different situation. I admit, it's far harder to get to meet in house HR departments if you were to cold call them or you applied via email. It's easier to organise meetings with recruitment agencies, but I didn't get very far with them as I had no specific previous experience in the industry I was moving to.

          Hope that clears it up a bit!

        • usherer on 18/12/2017 - 18:48

          @ryf: Thanks a lot! Working on networking skills is the next thing for me to do!

    • Tycn on 18/12/2017 - 17:56
      +2

      I'd also be interested to see you do an A/B test with your Anglicised and actual name to see how many responses you get back for each.

      Here's a paper describing an actual experiment using over 5000 job applications: https://www.econstor.eu/bitstream/10419/36878/1/626591651.pd…

      This article describes the findings: http://www.smh.com.au/comment/job-hunt-success-is-all-in-a-n…

      To get as many interviews as an Anglo applicant with an Anglo-sounding name, an Indigenous person must submit 35 per cent more applications, a Chinese person must submit 68 per cent more applications, an Italian person must submit 12 per cent more applications, and a Middle Eastern person 64 per cent more applications.

  • heidisapirate on 18/12/2017 - 15:46
    +1

    Alexi and Alexandra are sort of gendered, honestly.
    Alexi is less gendered, but honestly it makes me think of a Russian man.
    Alexandra is definitely female. Alexander is the male version.
    Alex, however, could be either gender. Obviously people will picture one gender (depending on if they know personally know someone by that name), but it could be a man or woman's name.

  • bernsy on 18/12/2017 - 15:48
    -1

    Change your name to Ong Lai… more Ong will come your way

  • trapper on 18/12/2017 - 16:21

    Use Gertrude, that's a good solid english name.

  • Dreamcast on 18/12/2017 - 16:31

    Bob or Bobette. Can't go wrong.

  • wtfnodeal on 18/12/2017 - 16:35

    I don't get it. If at the interview when they see you and think hiring an Asian, and either of the gender isn't what they have in mind then why waste your time having a nickname to get yourself to the interview stage to begin with? Unless your Asian name is really hard to remember or pronounce etc.

    • Tycn on 18/12/2017 - 18:02
      +1

      I think the key issue isn't so much that the employer overtly dislikes people of a certain background/gender - that's not so common these days. It's more that people make implicit, automatic judgements based on very superficial factors, and this could result in a resume getting binned while the candidate might actually present quite well in an interview.

      • wtfnodeal on 18/12/2017 - 20:34
        +1

        I see. So there is a chance that disclosing your gender and the name doesn't sound right the resume gets binned? Didn't know that was one of the reasons and it sucks if that's the case. Thanks for pointing it out.

  • [Deactivated] on 18/12/2017 - 17:24
    +1

    Ashley

  • Tuftsdude on 18/12/2017 - 18:52
    +3

    Honestly, you're right, your name is an obstacle and so is mine (Middle Eastern). But I'm stubborn when it comes to this stuff, I am who I am and if someone thinks negative of me based on my name, I'll change that through letting them get to know me, if I get the chance.

    I had an interview with a guy, lasted 3 hours. He asked me and talked about everything. He came to the conclusion that I'm a great guy, lots of patience, high manners, etc, etc, and said sadly most people won't give me a change simply because of my name because many Australians are "lazy racists).

    I eventually got a job, in my desired field and kept my other job for weekends and Public Holidays!

    You have every right to change your name, and I read your reasons and you said you're set on it, but even if you don't, you can find a job, it'll just be a lot harder obviously.

  • ronnknee on 18/12/2017 - 19:02
    +1

    ITT: People don't know that Alexandra is NOT a gender-neutral name.

  • Hunter14 on 18/12/2017 - 19:04

    Changing your last name is a bit far. Where's your ancestral pride?

    • smuggler on 18/12/2017 - 19:55
      +1

      Changing your last name is a bit far. Where's your ancestral pride?

      No, it's not. Many white people discriminate based on name. Asians do it too.
      Seen it happen in my years working with higher-ups. My old bank use to ask for race, ethnicity, religion (was optional question) etc. Pretty sure they still do.

  • dufflover on 18/12/2017 - 19:19
    +2

    These days being female and non-white usually gives you a higher chance of not being binned, not less.
    I personally have been forwarded CVs to review with the tag line of "diversity" - the company did this not the applicant, but their CV was in the right area/direction/skills so I'm not sure why they did that, but you know what I mean.

  • nurbsenvi on 18/12/2017 - 19:54
    +1

    If you have asian surname such as Ong
    Make sure to have longer first name
    For example

    Alex Ong
    Alexander Ong

    Second one just sounds more natural to ear and easy to pronounce
    Because first one just blends together to sound awkward

    Better still you can put your asian first names as acronym

    Alexander M. Ong

  • ialam99 on 18/12/2017 - 20:28
    +3

    yep I knew an Indian guy called "Harish Patel". He anglicised his name to "Harry Potter" for job application purposes. It didn't work out so well for some reason.

  • heysoph9 on 18/12/2017 - 20:47
    +1

    I liked one of the previous comments: if your last name translates to King, use May King. Or Maylee is fine, lovely name.
    If you have to pick one of your suggestions, use Alex. It is completely gender neutral and common.

  • marketingpolice on 18/12/2017 - 21:03

    I also like Maylee. Why do you want an anglo saxon gender neutral name? Have you considered how many companies now have a equal opportunity quota to fill? I would not just assume an English sounding male name would more likely get the job.

  • [Deactivated] on 18/12/2017 - 21:08
    +1

    :) You must be a bit overwhelmed by the response to your post…

    I've only skimmed since songs, but here are a few things from the skim -

    You mention that you're originally from Singapore… OzBargain Mod, JSQUARED (a man locked in an empty market carpark with a durian and a dream), would very much like you to email EVERYONE you may still know there, in order to tell them about CheapCheapLah! :-)

    You indicate having foxed about your real surname. That's fine, and good, but you will need to judge as to whether Alex goes well with that, or not. Presume, does.

    Even though steered-away, given complications, from changing your surname - if you ever come back around to that idea, and plan to work outside of Australia, maybe re-think the suggestion that you warmed-to above in various comments, of "King".

    I'll explain (that's mansplain now, isn't it? :)
    Alexis is not an uncommon name for girls in the US, but really just for Jewish girls. If you spend any amount of time in certain cities, you will meet an Alexis or two. Informally and sometimes formally, shortened to Alex.

    King, as surname, usually either Jewish (think Larry - wow, he's still alive - King), or African-American (think Martin Luther King) (you definitely know of him).

    In different parts of the world (including in the US), where anti-semitism is more prevalent than in Australia, Alex King would more often than not be perceived as being a Jewish name, male and female. A distinct advantage in some circumstances, potentially a problem in others. I know that there are anglicized Asian translated King surnames about, but you might need to team that with a name like Karen, in Hong Kong, to avoid any confusion, at all…
    Maybe..

    Confused? :)

    You will find fairness at play and lack of any prejudice, in the right place.

    Main thing is, you sound tenacious. Things will eventually fall into place, because of that.

    • usherer on 18/12/2017 - 21:28
      +1

      (a man locked in an empty market carpark with a durian and a dream) - LOL - I love your description! I miss my durians badly, and only some Southeast Asians get that. Are you one? Tell him to publicise the website on Reddit Singapore!

      manplain - I notice that besides 70s songs and talkshow hosts, you have kept up with this decade's songs and move towards more progressive vocabulary, which is making it difficult for me to guess your age.

      In my research, I have noticed that interpretations of names vary widely between the US and Australia. And for some reason, every other name seems to be a stripper's name in the US! Lexie, Betty ..anything that ends with -ee, apparently. I'm not that brave to steam ahead with a completely name change, and will content myself with an Anglicised first name. As my partner noted, I am practically the only Singaporean he knows WITHOUT an Anglicised name. Which is true. I'm just catching up with my peers. Hardly even assimilating into local culture, really!

      Thanks for your compliment.

      • [Deactivated] on 18/12/2017 - 23:08

        I'm not SEA. Do have black hair (does that confer any Asian points?) and apparently have inherited my Mum's genes for retaining that (bonus points?)
        :)

        AIE Aust/Irish/English and sadly not age-appropriately sensible enough to not play medicine ball with an unripe durian :(

        For any number of similarly stupid reasons, I am lucky to be alive…
        :-)

        Your job for now (immediate start - he's online now!) is to message JSQUARED and let him know about Reddit Singapore!

        Goodnight, Alex.

  • TheBilly on 18/12/2017 - 22:14

    Do you think your looking into this too much? My name is as un-anglo saxon as it gets and I have never felt like I have "missed" or been "looked over" for opportunity?

  • djmm on 18/12/2017 - 22:21

    Change name to Maxx Payne. Guaranteed success.

  • [Deactivated] on 18/12/2017 - 23:05
    +1

    Alexandra is not gender neutral.

    Alexander != Alexandra.

  • infinite on 19/12/2017 - 00:01

    Just be honest with your name. When it comes to the interview round, we always ask for an official form of I.D. (drivers license) to prove who they are, as all potential employees must have a clear police check (we do one for all in-coming employees and no contract is presented until we get a clear police check). If a candidate has concealed their real name, we remove them from consideration for the position, because if they can't even be honest about themselves and their name, there is no chance of trusting anything that they have told us in an interview or application.

  • FittyFitty on 19/12/2017 - 07:57

    What about Ali?

  • alpp on 19/12/2017 - 08:23
    +1

    honestly if you cant gender the forms of the name alex properly you're more suited to mercenary ngo work back in london

    • [Deactivated] on 19/12/2017 - 10:58
      +1

      That was uncalled for. Also, if parts of other languages don't confuse you, at all, then you must be OzBargain's Kevin Rudd. Congratulations

      • alpp on 21/12/2017 - 07:08

        im not trying to get editing work in any second languages am i

  • simulacrum on 19/12/2017 - 09:40
    +1

    Alexandra is definitely feminine. Alexander would be the male version. But if you apply as Alex it could be either. Alexi or Alexei are slavic boys names.

    If you used to go by Lee, you can anglicise it into "Leigh". Pronunciation remains the same but it looks Anglo, and can be used for boys and girls (though more common for boys).

    More suggestions here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unisex_name#English

  • Stphen on 19/12/2017 - 09:48
    +4

    Alexei Sayle has a nice ring to it.

  • MementoMori on 19/12/2017 - 21:39
    +1

    For what it's worth, Asians out earn White in the US, by a pretty decent margin (20% or so).

    Asian privilege?

    Rank Race Median household income (2015 US$)
    1 Asian 74,245[1]
    2 White 59,698[1]
    3 Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander 55,607[1]
    4 Some other race 42,461[1]
    5 American Indian and Alaska Native 38,530[1]
    6 Black or African American 36,544[1]

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ethnic_groups_in_the_U…

  • lostn on 19/12/2017 - 22:47

    Don't know but Alexandra is definitely not a gender-neutral name.

    As a rule I find gender neutral names very female-leaning. If you don't know the gender of the person, you would assume it was female.

    Why do you want it to be gender-neutral?

  • steve-oz on 20/12/2017 - 20:08
    +2

    Alex as a girls name works. An example from popular culture: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Vause

    • [Deactivated] on 20/12/2017 - 22:47
      +1

      +One more. This woman has been around for a long time and in various shows -
      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Kingston

      • bluesky on 21/12/2017 - 01:55
        +1

        Yeap, appeared in quite a few episodes of Dr Who.

        • [Deactivated] on 21/12/2017 - 08:03
          +1

          Hi there bluesky.

          OP is hoping to do a bit of a timely morph, of sorts - seeking to pop into the half-accented Resumé Tardis and then successfully out and into an interview, as female. Just might work :)

          I watched the bulk of that very first series reboot of Doctor Who, with Billie Piper - she may have been the reason for that.

          Still, better as a Pop Princess, I reckon.

        • bluesky on 21/12/2017 - 16:30
          +2

          @Dne: Hi Dne, Me too, only watched the reboot, not the original. I thought Billie is the best companion in the reboot series. But what a surprise, I didn't know she can sing as well … Learn something new everyday :-)

          If you don't watch any more episodes, still check out this one if you can - Blink, preview here - thought it is the best Dr Who episode, it won a number of awards, and I became a Carey Mulligan fan from it.

          Talking about gender-neutral names … both Carey and Billie are gender-neutral names. Nice ones too.

        • [Deactivated] on 21/12/2017 - 18:52
          +2

          @bluesky: Bluesky, just you can call me T, as in T'as as once was.

          I did see a few episodes of that series featuring the Martha Jones character as Dr's assistant, and certainly would have remembered seeing an episode featuring Carey Mulligan, if had. Both cute. Will certainly keep an eye out for that specific episode - if only for the eye-candy, in HD, this time around.. Ahem. Oh, and I'm sure that I will pay great attention to the script and drama, needless to say…
          ;-)

          There are a few girls kicking around named Charlie. I can remember finding that pretty cute when first heard, however many years ago. One more for the overwhelmed OP to consider.

          Have a great Christmas and New Year, bluesky. A very good thing to wish for precious little drama around this time of the year! Take care
          :-)

        • bluesky on 21/12/2017 - 19:25
          +2

          @Dne: Yes, I think Charlie is cute. Another one … the new Star Trek Discovery's female lead character's name is "Michael". Although, pretty sure this is not yet commonplace in real-life.

          Thanks T, appreciate the well-wishes. Likewise, to you, OP and everyone else, have a safe and joyous Christmas & New Year. Cheers :-)

        • [Deactivated] on 15/01/2018 - 22:41
          +1

          @bluesky:
          I just watched that DW "Blink" episode. Have been keeping an eye out for it on iView, as noticed that it would be coming up. I didn't forget.

          There right now - also 11.47pm tonight on ABC main channel, if you're up and not watching Colbert (one of few remaining links to US sanity vis-à-vis the bloody Trump nightmare).

          Anyway, it was really well done and amazing to see Carey with such long hair! She has such a lovely presence on-screen, with or without. Cutie.

          Downside of seeing that episode is that I will now be extremely suspicious of all statues. Don't blink! Can't Blink!!

          I've never trusted those busking statues, but this is WORSE!!

          :-)

        • bluesky on 15/01/2018 - 22:47
          +1

          @Dne: What? It is available tonight? I will certainly re-watch, yay! Thanks for the heads-up. Glad you enjoy :-)

        • [Deactivated] on 15/01/2018 - 22:55
          +1

          @bluesky: No, thank you bluesky. Goodnight :-)

  • [Deactivated] on 20/12/2017 - 22:39
    +1

    Cultural appropriation how is this any different than blackface.

    • regretfulshopper on 22/12/2017 - 09:37

      Are you alright??? You do realise that there are plenty of POC with Anglicized names??

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join