I got this question multiple times while introducing myself. It sounds a bit odd and I don’t think they are really interested in the origin of my name. Is this a politically correct way of asking my ethnic origin? I guess “Where are you from” wouldn’t work for everyone since there are many born-and-raised British people with foreign names and ethnic origin.
That’s exactly it. They’re trying to ask your ethnic background in a roundabout way.
I get asked because it’s unusual, most people never heard of it before. Some assume it’s a nickname.
And when I tell them where in the world it’s from their next question is whether I have a cultural connection to that culture.
It sounds a bit odd and I don’t think they are really interested in the origin of my name.
It’s taken them by surprise, it’s offered a conversational opening that expresses interest in you. The alternatives
- nice weather we are having
- so how do you know $mutual-acquaintance?
- What do you do?
I understand you might find it a bit wearing , but I honestly don’t think it’s problematic