The one-shot explanation

I have spent a tedious amount of time explaining the origin, meaning and pronunciation of my first name. I've always threatened to have a FAQ list printed on the back of my business card. Thank goodness for the Web-- I can finally point people to an explanation without rattling it off at top speed while I'm trying to leave a phone message.

Yes, it's my real name...

...no, it's not short for anything.

Yes, I like it now.

No, I didn't like it when I was a kid (back then, I was skinny, but it was "Fatsy.")

How do you say that again?

You prounounce the 'P-H' like the one in telephone, so the name is pronounced 'FEHT-see."

What kind of a name is that?

Another of the inevitable questions is "What nationality is your name?" I was always stumped for an answer to that one (Sol Three? Northwest European? Southerner?) until I was introduced to a British-born American. Upon hearing my name he said, "How unique. Is that an American name?" I gleefully answered "You bet!"

Where'd it come from?

My Kentucky-born mother created it out of two Hocht Deutsche words that her sister misprounounced when Mom was teaching her some German phrases.

Most consistent silly response to my name.

Receptionist: And what is your name?

Me: Phetsy.

Receptionist: OK, Patsy..

Me: No, it's Phetsy. P-as-in-Paul, H-as-in-Howard, E-as-in-estuary, T-as-in-tango, S-as-in-Sierra, Y-as-in-Yttrium.

Receptionist: P...H...E...T..S..Y. Gee, I've never heard that before. Oh, I'd better get your last name so he'll recognize you.