My current legal name is a name I chose. My mother gave me a "double" first name that NOBODY WOULD USE due to the fact that it's five syllables, which is apparently three too many. Everyone always called me by my nickname (bestowed on my by my sister before I was born) or the first of the double names (which I didn't like).

I also chose my nickname (in the parens), because I didn't want to be called Alex (I just don't like it). Surprise, I'm called Alex. I guess it's my fault that "Sascz" (Sash) is apparently too hard for people to figure out, although at least unlike my original legal name, people are WILLING to use it once I tell them how to say it.

All this to say that I feel your pain. I think Shani is pretty though.