Anglicized Names

It was a sharing moment at work today.  A couple of my co-workers, who happen to be Hispanic, were sharing how some parts of their families have "Anglicized" their names, and the conflict or at least discussion it causes at family reunions.

I mentioned that my Polish grandparents had Anglicized the spelling of their last name, as had my French Canadian grandparents, and that this was not uncommon.  My co-workers, who are very well educated, seemed surprised.

We get so boxed into our little corner of the Earth that we do not realize how many common or shared experiences we have, and how much more alike than different we are.

I grew up knowing the name of my Polish grandparents was Anglicized. It was not something that was shameful or hurtful. It was explained as making it easier for Anglos to pronounce and ultimately accept. It simplified assimilation, or at least, attempts to fit in.  It made sense. I was an adult when I learned my French Canadian grandparents' name had also been Anglicized. But it also made sense, for the same reasons.  It was not an insult to the old ways, but a way of making things easier for everyone.