'People always laugh at my rude name – I've had to learn to live with it'

'People always laugh at my rude name – I've had to learn to live with it'A man who says his rude name often results in laughter or 'unsolicited comments' has opened up about how he came to appreciate his unusual moniker, even turning it into a comedy showCommentsNewsMatt Jackson Trendswatch Content Editor08:53, 16 Apr 2026Updated 09:07, 16 Apr 2026View 3 ImagesA man with an unusual name says people often laugh at him(Image: Getty Images)A man with an unusual surname says it is a “daily trial” that often results in laughter or “unsolicited comments” - but admits he had grown to embrace it. Andrew Mycock was born in the Derbyshire town of Buxton, where he says it is “relatively common” and “stimulates little comment”.‌But all that changed when he left the small Peak District town and went to university in Salford. He says the tribulations of being a Mycock meant his “life changed” and he started to “avoid using it in public”.‌Writing in The I Paper, Andrew says it was an issue that became even more prevalent when he decided to pursue a PhD. He said: “Gaining a doctorate opened a new strand of jokes - being Dr Mycock has not been easy. I rarely wear conference badges and avoid using my name on PowerPoint title slides.‌“My students have taken delight in being lectured by Mycock, and shown great creativity in citing my research in their essays.”While it has brought its challenges, Andrew does acknowledge the “joy” his name could bring. He says it can “break down barriers when meeting people,” even leading him to start a comedy show about his surname.View 3 ImagesAndrew says he would often avoid name tags (stock image)(Image: run co/Getty Images)‌He explains the show came about after suggestions from his friends and work colleagues. He has now sold out shows across the north of England and in Scotland.Andrew delivers the show in the style of a lecture, leaning on his teaching experience to combine humour and education. He says his experience as an...