What life is like when you have an unfortunate surname

Surnames serve as a fundamental part of our personal identities. They are the way we connect with others and the means through which others identify us. However, for those who inherit surnames that seem to carry a punchline, daily life can be a series of social hurdles. Andy Mycock, an academic and self-proclaimed Dr Mycock, has spent decades wrestling with the name that follows him everywhere.

A name that never stops talking

Mycock is not just a surname—it’s a name that demands attention, often in the wrong way. Born in Buxton, a Derbyshire town where the name is common, Andy didn’t initially notice its potential for humor. But when he moved to Salford for university, the dynamic shifted dramatically. On his first day, the laughter began, whether he was signing up for a course, collecting a Students’ Union card, or opening a student bank account.

It was there, in the city, that the weight of his name became clear. He felt the first sting of embarrassment, realising he would be the target of countless jokes. Even mundane interactions, like calling a phone provider or picking up a parcel, now carried the risk of a snort or a raised eyebrow. The digital realm added its own layer of challenge: online forms rejected his name, and emails frequently ended up in spam folders.

A family legacy of laughter and struggle

His mother, Patricia, faced her own trials when adopting the surname. The joy of divorcing his father was doubled by the act of shedding the Mycock label. Andy, however, grew up under his father’s name, meeting him only at 19. His sisters, on the other hand, changed their surnames the moment they reached 16, a decision he once questioned but now understands.

“Hang on, you’re not always comfortable with this, are you?”

This was Jennie’s question when they first met. She didn’t dwell on the name, but she noticed its impact on him. Their upcoming marriage, after 25 years together, will mark a new chapter. Yet Jennie insists she won’t take on another surname, aware of the emotional toll it can take.

Andy’s journey has led him to embrace his name as a source of humor. He’s turned his experiences into a comedy show, exploring the irony of being remembered for a label rather than one’s achievements. Last year’s performance at the Buxton Festival Fringe, filled with fellow Mycocks, was a milestone. This summer, he returns with a fresh take on the subject.

From shame to pride

What began as a source of shame has evolved into something he now values. He acknowledges the awkwardness but also the benefit of standing out. When he’s part of the joke, the name becomes a bridge to connection rather than a barrier. Though he doesn’t hesitate to laugh at others’ surnames—like the late Labour MP Seymour Cocks—he knows the cost of making someone the punchline.

So, can someone like Andy Mycock truly find joy in a name that’s been a source of ridicule? He believes the answer lies in perspective. After 58 years, he’s ready to accept the label, and in doing so, reclaim its power.

As told to Roland Hughes