Skip to main content

University of Reading Cookie Policy

We use cookies on reading.ac.uk to improve your experience. Find out more about our cookie policy. By continuing to use our site you accept these terms, and are happy for us to use cookies to improve your browsing experience.

Continue using the University of Reading website

logo
Mobile search categories
Need Help?
mask
Close
MyName project
MyName project
Essentials Diversity & Inclusion MyName project
MyName Project green banner

What is a name? 

Have you ever come across a name you’re not sure how to pronounce? Does your name have a story behind it? These are a few of the questions which we explore with the MyName project, led by the Student Success & Engagement Team within Student Services. 

The MyName project showcases the University of Reading’s diverse staff and student community, through a series of blogs, videos and stories. The aim of the project is to raise cultural awareness, tapping into the story that lies behind a name and to encourage conversations, helping build connections with both fellow students and staff.  

Our names are so much more than just a label that is assigned to us. They play a prominent role in our identities, are part of our culture, family history, beliefs, goals and more. Whether it is the name that we were given at birth, or one that we chose for ourselves, our names are a part of who we are. 

Learning the meaning behind our names can be an enlightening experience. Our names are a core part of who we are; be proud of it, own it, live it!  

Each name has a story behind it. What’s yours? 

The project accepts submissions from students and staff, and there are many ways you can get involved:

  • Record a short video of yourself talking about your name, how to pronounce it and what it means. Feel free to explain the background of your name, any interesting stories about it and what it means to you on a personal level. 
  • If you don't want to record a video, you can also submit an audio recording, blog or other style of written content exploring the points above. 

The Student Success and Engagement Team share regular videos and stories as part of the MyName project across our Student Life channels, including the Student Life Blog, YouTube, Instagram and Twitter (lookout for the #MyNameMyStory handle). Videos will also be collated in a dedicated YouTube playlist. 

To find out more or to make a submission, please email studentcomms@reading.ac.uk. 

    Listen to our MyName stories

    Pok Lim Lai
     
    Eloise Barnes
     
    Esosa Oduware
     
    Florencia Botta
     
    Graham Philpott
     
    Marie Loanna
     
    Parveen Yaqoob

Make a submission

I'm very proud of my name, proud of my identity. My name is Anju and I am very happy that this project exists, for all of us.

Anju Reji
Current student

If you do not know what to call someone, ask them

Florencia Botta
Current student
  • Charitable status
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies
  • Terms of use
  • Sitemap

© University of Reading