During childhood, the author faced teasing due to their unusual name. Growing up in Dixie, surrounded by common names, it became a defining part of their identity. Their mother got pregnant unexpectedly in her 40s, and their sister chose their name after seeing it in a newspaper article. This led to a battle over names between the father and sister. Eventually, the name "Dixie Diane" was settled on.

Uncover How an Unusual Name Shaped a Life

School Years and the Name's Impact

For the first five years, life with the name "Dixie" was similar to having a common name. But when school started, things changed. In the company of peers, being named "Dixie" meant being teased and tormented. The author found themselves constantly singled out, whether it was by the teacher calling their name or others using nicknames related to "Dixie." However, in their teens, the name became an asset as they were one of the only Dixies in their high school.During this time, the author also had to deal with the confusion caused by the nickname "Dixie Cup" and the innuendo associated with it. They didn't understand why it was so amusing when applied to them. But as they grew older, they learned to embrace their name.

Embracing the Unusual Name

The author's name wasn't just a source of teasing in school. They also faced references in songs that weren't always kind, like "The Night They Drove Ole Dixie Down" and "Dixie Chicken." But the melancholy lines of "Baby Blue" by Badfinger helped them look at their name in a different light.After getting married and taking on the name Gillaspie, there were references to the late, great Dizzy Gillespie. This made their name both complimentary and memorable. The author wonders if they would have had a milder personality if they had been named Mary, Jane, or Ann like their father wanted. But they believe that "Dixie" suited the person they were meant to be.All in all, the author has come to realize that what's in a name is what you put into it. There are many unforgettable Marys, Janes, and Anns, and they choose to be the best version of Dixie they can be.