How do you ask your coworker for their name after 4 years?
Posted by Significant_Soup_279@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 349 comments
I’ve known this coworker for 4 years and talked to him on countless occasions yet i still don’t know his name. We’re in different departments and it started when i mistook him for a manager of a different department when i first began- then it ended up being talks about his family. He even references his son and wife by first name like i’d know but i just went along with it and 3 years later i still don’t know his name 😭😭
How do i ask without making it awkward, usually we wear name tags but i never found one on his person.
neverlegend5@reddit
Next time you see him, show him what you typed here 👍
ThunderChild247@reddit
“How do I spell that?”
Novel_Individual_143@reddit
Yeah you need to find out the name before you end up having to introduce him to someone. 🫣
GoneAwol45@reddit
“How do you spell your name again?”
GamerGypps@reddit
Schedule a teams/zoom meeting and look at the name when joining.
Get him to email you.
Ask another colleague that doesn’t talk to him or know you talk.
Look at his desk for stuff with his name.
Ask his name directly then when he tells you say you meant surname obviously.
shez19833@reddit
- ask a colleague
- there might be internal directory of all employees
One_Kaleidoscope_980@reddit
Ask him to email you something. Then watch his face fall because he doesn’t know your name either 😂
EatOfTheBread@reddit
Just ask for their email address
C2BK@reddit
"JSAdmin@company.com" AAARGH!
romeo__golf@reddit
This! Find a reason for him to need to send you a document or file.
Apricot_Oasis@reddit
Remind me how you spell your name again?
Oh thanks, it’s just cos there’s so many weird spellings I’ve seen that I just wanted to check!
chmath80@reddit
E ... d
4ever_lost@reddit
"Ah so 1 D, thanks"
AssociationGold8745@reddit
You mean Sam?
Imperator_Helvetica@reddit
Psam?
Apricot_Oasis@reddit
You joke, but I recently encountered a Char-Lee…
StardustOasis@reddit
I've seen Lee-Anne recently.
ceelose@reddit
Sahhme
Tarlach88@reddit
Is that Sam with 4 M's?
Silmarillien@reddit
Like, Tom?
Puzzled-P@reddit
I worked with a Thom like shortened from Thomas.
Silmarillien@reddit
Wow
Icy_Yam_9951@reddit
John Smith :)
hdhxuxufxufufiffif@reddit
John with or without an H? Smith with an I or a Y?
Skeletime@reddit
This or ask their name and when they tell you say 'oh no, I meant your last name'.
Haunting_Hour_4556@reddit
My friend's trick with this is to have them in a meeting, then starting with "I know I have worked with some of you before, but just so we're all on the same page can we quickly have a round of introductions stating your name, role, and goals for this project..."
It's entirely because he has forgotten someone's name, but sounds like he's a serious professional.
C2BK@reddit
I've been in meetings where that's happened, and I've thought "So that's their name" then promptly forgot it again.
It's only happened with a couple of people, but their names just won't stick - I think the problem is that they don't look like a "Michael" or whatever, so my brain refuses to cooperate.
IOnlyUpvoteBadPuns@reddit
"let's kick this off with your name and one fun fact about yourself". Everyone is so mortified at the idea of having to come up with a fun fact, they don't even register the ruse to find out their name.
Interesting_iidea@reddit
“Just start the bloody meeting mate”
Haunting_Hour_4556@reddit
Okay Terrence.
FilDaFunk@reddit
I'm imagining this being a 2 person meeting.
lapsongsue@reddit
They could always make the numbers up with stuffed toys. Like Carman's tea party
pharmamess@reddit
Cartman
lapsongsue@reddit
It autocorrected, Polly Prissy Pants.
EngineersAnon@reddit
The rubber ducks from the dev team.
Ozmorty@reddit
Classic. This is important: Do this but give them a wrong name for yourself when going first.
BobKickflip@reddit
Actually lolled at this 😂
Haunting_Hour_4556@reddit
You could just invite Kevin too, make sure there's a small bowl of assorted treats and he'll be game.
Neither_Process_7847@reddit
Nice! Beats trying to wangle introducing them to a new colleague with the 'HI, I'm me and this is...' routine!
nildro@reddit
How do you book a meeting with someone without knowing their name?
TurbulentContext@reddit
For the benefit of the minute taker...
SubjectAd9940@reddit
Glad I am not the only one who does this in meetings………
FallowfieldPark@reddit
Oh I hate those “can we just go around and introduce ourselves” questions. If everyone knows everyone in the meeting, this would be pointless and you’ll get the “wtf”.
Better if you need something from them, get them to send it over via email/message on the company system, ez
cocacola999@reddit
Omg this happens all the time... Am I the one they've forgotten ? Oh no.. Maybe it is.. Why aren't I rememberable? Maybe they all hate me? Oh gosh, what if..... Wait... His name is Steve ? TIL
akl78@reddit
This is the way.
C2BK@reddit
You ask "By the way, how do you spell your name?" When they say S M I T H, you say "No, I meant your first name".
If your luck is anything like mine they'll say P E T E R ...
CuNxtTuesday_@reddit
You don’t, it’s been too long.
rmajor86@reddit
Get them to email you something
Ruth1E33@reddit
Can you not go on the org chart or email? Like surely you’ve emailed each other?!?
Beautiful_Spread7866@reddit
Get him to email you something
themissingelf@reddit
Ask him if he’s ever watched Layer Cake… Then liken it to your relationship…
Sfb208@reddit
A friend and I started this way, talked regularly in the common room, but could never remember each others names. She eventually transferred into my department and I had to ask another colleague for her name, even though it was clear we 'knew' each other
But yeah, you have to ask a third person.
RosemaryThorn@reddit
Ask him to email you something mundane. Then you’ll have his name. :)
Smokweid@reddit
What’s your name again? No no actual lol, I meant your last name.
SedentorySensor77@reddit
Just don’t bother, wait for someone else to say it. I worked in a hospital with approx. 4.5k staff, for 18yrs, you knew literally hundreds of peoplep day to day, to get things done… I probably know the name of about 10-20% of them. It’s not personal.
ajtyler776@reddit
This is wonderfully British.
sivvus@reddit
“Have you ever had any good nicknames?”
srm79@reddit
Depending on the size of your company you could just use Delve in office 365
Spare_Airport_6002@reddit
You don't, you ask another colleague lol! You can go find someone in like admin or hr or whatever who may not have seen you guys chat before and just say "hey this is silly but I was talking to this person (describe him) and didn't catch his name, do you happen to know what his name is?". Easy.
SpaceSquirrl@reddit
Wait till they say something funny or interesting. Then a few days later, ask a colleague who was also there “who was it the other day talking about [insert topic here]? I can’t remember who brought it up!”. BOOM
Laylelo@reddit
Imagine if they got the wrong person so you’re just calling Fred Peter for the next four years.
frankensteinsmaster@reddit
I have at least 3 people in my village who call me by a name not my own. I don’t speak to them often enough to adress it, but i love to think one day they all meet and get extremely confused.
toady89@reddit
Do they all call you the same wrong name, or three different names?
GrumpyOldFart74@reddit
Or “oh, erm, oh god, whatsisname… this is so embarrassing, I’ve known him for years, can’t believe it… I’m terrible with names… can’t believe I can’t think of it…” until they tell you. (Yes, I have done that before!)
qgwheurbwb1i@reddit
This works really well if you have a "foggy brain day" mix up words and letters in your sentences and mix up some other coworker names and then say something like "Oh gosh! I think I need a coffee!"
Sacrificial-Offering@reddit
My mum will often go through names, out loud, including the names of dead dogs that they had 20 years ago. She'd get the right name eventually, would just take her a while.
CameoPony@reddit
Or they ask you to smile, lift your arms above your head, and potentially call an ambulance!
Ok_Young1709@reddit
I do that so often, I think most people think I have dementia now. Beginning to wonder myself 🤣
ButterBallsBob@reddit
No, we know what you're doing 🙂
Not-a-Cranky-Panda@reddit
That and look for paperwork that may have it on.
buttpugggs@reddit
That or ask them to spell it out for you to make sure you get their full name properly on whatever bit of work you're doing.
Icy_Attention3413@reddit
This is the Herriot problem. He cleverly asked a guy how to spell his name. It was Smith. Would have better if he spelled out D.A.N.
Streathamite@reddit
A good tactic until it turns out their name is John Smith
PM-me-your-cuppa-tea@reddit
Jon John
Smith Smyth
It's a Sam or Bob you need to worry about.
buttpugggs@reddit
"Just checking you don't put Samuel/Robert"
buttpugggs@reddit
But then you just hit them with "cool, I was just checking you don't put Jonathan or something like that when you're being official"
Responsible-Ad-1086@reddit
It’s Dan 🤣
buttpugggs@reddit
But then you just hit them with "cool, I was just checking you don't put Daniel or something like that when you're being official"
stoplandingonmeflies@reddit
Yes is this not the best way to do it?
snarkmaiden5@reddit
I dont feel so bad now 😅. There's people i work with i just dont know their names, and its been a couple of years. Ive gradually learned them by hearing them get called by another worker. There's no way id ask now. Im just terrible with names anyway.
shakesfistatmoon@reddit
You: I can't remember your name? Coworker: It's Chad You: I meant your surname, of course your Chad! Coworker: haha it's Bumblesnatch
Own-Try1886@reddit
I would ask someone else, I wouldn't risk the mortification of asking him 😃
MonsieurGump@reddit
If you asked me I’d lie.
Then wait did you to introduce Mr Arthur Biscuits to the audience at the next meetings
_Daftest_@reddit
Your meetings have audiences?
MonsieurGump@reddit
Don’t yours?
Willsagain2@reddit
Chaotic evil at work, MonsieurGump
Acceptable-Sentence@reddit
Absolutely! The weekend of my brothers wedding we had a round of golf with me, my brother,my dad, my brothers best pal. Just before we teed off he asked me on the sly “remind me what’s your dad’s name”. “John”
3 days later my dad asks “why is Robbie calling me John” 😂
Acceptable-Sentence@reddit
“Who’s Robbie??”
Own-Try1886@reddit
🤣
ButteredNun@reddit
“You know that large bloke with the goatee that works in accounts. You know, one that likes Scotch eggs. What’s his name?”
Quantum-Travels@reddit
“Oh, that’s Scotch Kev”
notanadultyadult@reddit
You missed the chance to include egg “big scotch egg Greg” lol
Quantum-Travels@reddit
Greg replaces egg. That’s the joke to be fair.
Future-Exercise-7433@reddit
Well, at least you fried
notanadultyadult@reddit
I just like the rhyming-ness of it.
Aragorn01032931@reddit
r/YourJokeButWorse
BerryOk966@reddit
Their joke was funnier
mostlysoberfornow@reddit
Everyone knows Keith.
kitjen@reddit
That's literally Keith from The Office (UK)
ButteredNun@reddit
Keith!! Yes, of course! Thanks
Zealousideal-One9678@reddit
He's grotesque
Parfait-Fickle@reddit
Is he the one who djs at the weekends?
Breedy321@reddit
Glad someone gets it!
Wooks81@reddit
This is the way to go!!
deecee-247@reddit
This, or pretend to have a brain fart because of the heat or something, easy to pass off if you act it out right!
I called a colleague of mine Faye the other day...her names Kay! Slip of the tongue happens all the time 🤣
jacks65fastcar@reddit
It's simple.I always ask them for their business card
Serious_Badger_4145@reddit
Act apologetic and say I'm so sorry but i don't know how to spell your name
Hrondle@reddit
No problem, it's B... o... b
Serious_Badger_4145@reddit
Oh no e? I never would have known!
Howard1981@reddit
Ask them to send you an email with something
N4t3ski@reddit
I little trick my grandfather taught me.
Just ask them their name, then say "no, not your first name . Of course I know that, I meant your SURNAME"
Most people wont be offended that you needed clarification of their surname, but you get both.
parksa@reddit
Your grandad is a genius.
Princess_sparkle2478@reddit
Then they respond with Taylor, and confirm no Taylor is their surname. They assumed you meant surname as you've known them 4 years.
Serious_Badger_4145@reddit
Then you go. No no! I meant your middle name!
N4t3ski@reddit
Its not infallible, but it can work and avoid embarrassment.
TheMarvelMunchkin@reddit
This, a friend taught me this one!
Make up a rubbish reason to send them an email, and ask, hey can you remind me your name- and put the reason about surname spelling…
They may know the trick… but there’s no way they will know if you’re using it or not
Even better if you doing early in the morning “before your coffee hits”
EquivalentNo5465@reddit
I've used this trick many times before with great success
RegularWhiteShark@reddit
I've used this trick, haha.
Mendel247@reddit
This is the answer. He might know the trick already, but he can't prove you're not being genuine.
The other alternative would be to find something he'd be interested in and tell him you wanted to email it to him, but somehow couldn't find his email address in the directory. Give him your email and ask him to email you, then send him the interesting thing
DreadLindwyrm@reddit
Do you have email signatures with names?
If you do, you could send him an email asking him to confirm something, and when he replies it should have his name on it.
sneddsdead@reddit
This is me starting at a new job, 20 people tell me their name im lucky if I can remember 3 of them!
gothmog149@reddit
Easy to do - wait till it's a co-workers Birthday and buy a card, and then go round the office and ask people to write a Birthday message on it from them - which they will do, signed with their name.
Only problem is you'll then have to buy a Birthday card every year from then on, and do it for all other co-workers too - and it unofficially becomes your role from then on.
IOnlyUpvoteBadPuns@reddit
How about gathering colleagues at mystery coworkers desk, and breaking out into a round of "happy birthday to you". Then when you get to their name just mumble and see what everyone else fills in the gap with?
Works better if you find out their birthday first, but no an essential part of the plan.
manic_panda@reddit
Another problem is you would to need something to say when passing the card around if you cant say 'its x's birthday'.
Back to square one.
gothmog149@reddit
You don't do it on X's birthday - you do it for someone else's birthday and get X to write a message!
So when you pass him the card and say 'Hey it's John's birthday, do you mind writing a message for him' and then X will write:
'Happy Birthday John, wishing you a great day - Peter'
Now you have X's name!
manic_panda@reddit
Ahhhhh that makes more sense.
Leucurus@reddit
What if X's name isn't Peter!? You didn't think about that! You've doomed us all
PetitePrologue07@reddit
I’ve been there too hahahahaha
JohnnyOneLung@reddit
Drop me an email and we can do lunch.
insertitherenow@reddit
I worked at a place for 4 years once. I’d nip in the office all the time to get printing where the clerk was. The day I left I said “bye Dave”. He then told me his name was Alan and I’d been calling him Dave for 4 years and he never corrected me until the last day.
JarJarBinksSucks@reddit
Hey, what’s your name again?
Dave
No, your surname
OmegaPoint6@reddit
"Sorry I suffered a concussion over the bank holiday, what is your name again?"
No_Doughnut3257@reddit
I was kicked in the head by a horse
IndependentMud4043@reddit
Right, very good. Ok, fine.
Enough-Ad3818@reddit
"I suffered a concussion after a wasps nest was launched at me from close range. I've forgotten some things, so would you mind introducing yourself and your role?"
SiriusBlack99999@reddit
This is by far the best answer.
Significant_Cut_8729@reddit
Ask whats your name, then when they say their name you go "oh no your last name'
Interesting-Law7788@reddit
You ask for social media. "Would you mind if I added you on Facebook/followed you on insta?" Then you give them the phone. He'll type it in, boom. You know their name.
Blind_rat_rivers@reddit
Don't you have a company hierarchy map? That tells you everyone's roles, managers and positions etc?
Ok_Isopod9990@reddit
Nah, you get a pen and paper and say you’re writing down the list of people for the summer party invites (or some other relevant excuse) and then say, “how do I spell your name” this is the elite method.
It is mildly awkward if her name is Anna, Emily or any other simple name but I just do it ;)
olivinebean@reddit
I check the info on the staff WhatsApp group
Currently having an issue figuring out one girl because her picture is AI. I know she believes it looks like her but unfortunaty I can't recall anyone that looks like a Pixar woman holding two coffees and some dogs.
bunnyswan@reddit
Ask him how he spells it and then after he says his 1st name say oh silly I Mean your last name.
janner_womble@reddit
Research the etymology of your own first name and start a conversation about your new-found interest.
ceelose@reddit
You could ask the spelling.
HugHolly@reddit
It looks like it worked so far so.....do you actually need to find out his name lol? If you keep talking it might come up organically at some point, although if it hasn't in 4 years you'll probably be waiting a while longer
More seriously, if you know what department he actually works in, is there an organizational chart you can look at?
rapid-decay@reddit
Just don't be like me, make sure they're not the CEO of the company before asking for their name.
Significant_Return_2@reddit
Ask him to email you. Tell him that you tried to email him, but that he didn’t seem to receive yours. When you get the email, you’ll have his name.
Derezzed87@reddit
That's when he gives an email like "Xx360NoScope69xX"
Specialist-Rope-9760@reddit
hornyboi69@aol.com
Acceptable-Sentence@reddit
BigPoppaSexy81@hotmail.com
busytransitgworl@reddit
Could you stop giving out my work email?
Acceptable-Sentence@reddit
Sorry Dave/John/Mate??
busytransitgworl@reddit
I did it the other way around and asked my colleague for their email address with "I don't know your last name" as an excuse.
It worked.
ouzo84@reddit
This is probably the best way
scrubsupbadly@reddit
Ask them to send you an email or forward on anything they've shared. Or maybe have a look in any attendance lists for group meetings you've joined together
Specialist-Rope-9760@reddit
Ask them how they spell their name
mad-un@reddit
Ask them to email you something
Dazz316@reddit
Hey, what's your name? No your surname.
frankensteinsmaster@reddit
Email directory
jambo_1983@reddit
Just call them “mate”. Forever.
Or leave.
IlIIIllIIlIlllII@reddit
start a conversation and say OMG I've gone brain dead, stare blankly and say ive forgotten you name
baskaat@reddit
Had the same housekeeper for over 20 years. It’s way too late to ask her name now. I used to know it, but I wasn’t the one that dealt with her for most of that time so I’ve totally forgot it.
HotSector8167@reddit
"how do you pronounce your name?"
"Rob."
GroceryPlastic7954@reddit
How do you spell it?
pebblie@reddit
'Hi. We've known each other years but weirdly, I never known your name. What is it? I'm Daisy by the way, in case you didn't know either'
All that game playing is fun and all, but these situations happen all the time. Best to be professional about it, it will probably impress them.
Crittenberger@reddit
Insane that I had to scroll down this far to find this answer. It is the way. We have all been there. It's a bit mortifying in the moment, but if you just keep it breezy then it doesn't have to be a whole big thing
TheBookofBobaFett3@reddit
Make a fake leaving card for someone and get them to sign it
Alternative_Exit8667@reddit
Can ypu ask him to email you something?
S4mJune@reddit
Can you ask them to email you something?
Psychological-Web828@reddit
Commit to a sponsored 5mile run for charity. Take the sponsorship form around asking people for names, you can also pick up others you do not know. If you then cannot really commit, take a few days off for a strained groin or something. Win win.
Direct-Distance5385@reddit
Ask them for their name and then when they say it , say " no I meant your surname " now you have both the first name and their surname.
Karen_Is_ASlur@reddit
That's not fooling anyone. Might as well just fess up to not knowing if you're going to do that.
Direct-Distance5385@reddit
I mean its worked for me personally
Karen_Is_ASlur@reddit
They knew.
hadawayandshite@reddit
You not got an org chart for who is in each department?
flightbomb@reddit
Lots of people giving helpful advice about tricks to employ.
Let me just add this: sometimes being open and honest can be the most disarming way. “I’m really sorry and I feel a real dork asking this - you’ll probably laugh - after all the time I’ve known you but I’ve never properly learned your name.”
It’s not always the best but it can be better than being found out going round the houses.
GreatChaosFudge@reddit
This is the simplest and best answer. Sometimes you just have to take embarrassment on the chin for a moment.
whiskeyislove@reddit
Ask him?
GoalRare7282@reddit
Invite him to meet for a beer. Hand him your phone and say: “put in your contact info, so we can text each other when we arrive at the pub.”
DoreyCat@reddit
That you think you have to ask him directly is nuts. There are like 15 other solutions that spare you both that pain.
Appropriate_Dirt_285@reddit
Im one for owning it, 'you know this is silly we've known each other all this time and I dont think ive ever got your name?'
AnnieByniaeth@reddit
Ask for their user ID on your computer systems so you can send them an email. Then look up that ID.
Ask me how I know this technique 😂
EquivalentNo5465@reddit
I've done this multiple times because I'm terrible with names!
szu@reddit
Clever. This is it!
themissing10mm@reddit
Take them to Starbucks. They'll ask for the name for you
OrganicPoet1823@reddit
Ask for their email
pm_me_your_amphibian@reddit
Find a way to ask him to send you a link/document/something over slack/teams
morbidcuriosity123@reddit
Can you ask them to email you something?
HatOfFlavour@reddit
You could do schemes like signing a get well soon card for someone or you just bite the bullet and go "Buddy I just found out that I've been calling you the wrong name for 4 whole years! I was sure your name was Elvis. I'm so embarrassed buddy what the heck is your name King?"
salaryman1969@reddit
Go up to them and ask them.
"What's your name?"
"It's ** I thought you knew that!'"
"No, I meant your surname....sorry *"
Sorted!
Obvious_Troll_Me@reddit
Ask him to email something to you
Unhappy-Ability-7235@reddit
Ugh I’m terrible with names, I can’t remember his name . He did tell me a few weeks ago and I’m so embarrassed .
Burning_Mirror@reddit
I've got myself out of this situation many times by using the tricks suggested here.
However I'd say more than half the time I've got myself right back into the situation because I've not been able to quite understand the name they were giving me, due to it either being an unfamiliar name, their accent, environmental noise or me just plain forgetting to make a mental note of it beyond that 10 second interaction and being too embarrassed to ask again in case it offends them.
rebelallianxe@reddit
Ask him to email you something work related.
Proof-Belt4352@reddit
Vot iss your nem
kuwabarazkuwabara@reddit
I have this problem a lot ask the nearest persom whos name you do know lol
FunGuyUK83@reddit
Fake birthday/get well soon card
SomeWomanFromEngland@reddit
Everyone’s talking about meetings and emails, but at no point did OP say he does an office based job, just that it has departments. He could work in a department store or a factory or some other place that doesn’t have emails and meetings.
Jezbod@reddit
We are small enough and public facing enough that we have every ones photo on display in the reception area, we go and check that.
Other than that, we can check the photos on Teams.
PsycommuSystem@reddit
In IT Support I spoke to hundreds of employees a week but they all knew me, and I could never remember their name. So I would always say 'remind me, what was your full email address again? I always get them wrong.' Works a treat if you have firstname.lastname addresses.
Dolgar01@reddit
‘Hi. Refresh my memory, what is your work email again?’
Most places I know have work emails that are a close approximation of their name.
Or, just ask someone. If you don’t want to appear too odd, say you need their name for something. The only reason I know any of my work colleagues full names is because I have to email their work emails or I manage them.
GradiusHead@reddit
Do a card trick. Tell them you want them to pick a card, any card. Get them to write their full name clearly on the face so you recognise the card if you see it again. Return the card to the pack. Shuffle. Get them to cut the pack anywhere they like and turn over the card they cut to. There's a one in 52 chance you will get their card and the trick is over and was also impossible. Otherwise you shrug it off and laugh. Either way you have his name.
V8boyo@reddit
Either email them asking for their email address or get them to email you something. The company should have a directory that you can compare against the email address. If you're using Google just go to contacts.google.com in your work account.
Soofla@reddit
Working in IT, the easy work around is to go see them about something "IT Related". The number of times I've had someone lock a laptop so I can see their name.
Or, getting a user to log into a computer next to me when they come for support, so I've got a username to work with.....
Guy_Incognito97@reddit
You have to change your name so that when they call you Mark you can say “Umm, sorry Steve but my name is actually Ben”. Then he’ll correct you that his name is not Steve and you can all have a big laugh about it.
the_roguetrader@reddit
just admit you forgot it and ask him his name
we're all fallible and forget things
elissapool@reddit
Get them to sign a birthday/leaving card
No_Dingo4727@reddit
Everyone is mate to me as im shite with names.
RamblingManUK@reddit
Just ask him to email you something. Assuming your company email is firstname.lastname@company.com ?
dallibab@reddit
Ask for email address
Vequihellin@reddit
I have this exact issue at work. I speak to this person at length and have no idea what their name is. It's embarrassing at this point tbh. Lol
According_Union@reddit
Do you use ms teams? Do you know his department? You'll probably be able to find him through that if people upload pictures to their teams pictures and see the org chart if you know someone else in that team.
SonnyListon999@reddit
Ask if he’s parents named him after someone famous or a family member; and see if he says ‘yes, my uncle Steve/Steve McQueen’ or ‘I’ve forgotten your name’ When he says ‘Steve’( result ) you say ‘no, your surname’
Chemical-Grade5137@reddit
Hey, what's your name? They reply. You say, no I meant your surname.
allywillow@reddit
Look at their screen as you walk past if they’re on a team call, should show their name
daddywookie@reddit
Have you not got an online company directory with photos? I'm presuming you know roughly where he works in your company, or what he does.
Metrobolist3@reddit
You can't. "Mate" has been doing a lot of heavy lifting in casual conversations in the office kitchen for me for years. Reckon I can just keep this up til I retire or leave.
Sea-Hour-6063@reddit
Don’t you have a company directory or anything like that?
GodAllShitey@reddit
Can you make out you're listing people to invite to a bbq/Christmas card list, and ask how he spells his name because you don't want to butcher it?
Helios-Blaze@reddit
"Sorry mate im having one of those days! What's your name again?" He probably has no idea what your name is either
SilkyOatmeal@reddit
Get his last name from him and use that to look up his first name.
How to do it: The next time you're chatting with him say "Hey, could you remind me how your last name is spelled?"
If it's absurdly simple like Smith or Jones say something like "Oh ok, for some reason I thought it was an unusual spelling. Huh. Go figure."
ouverture8@reddit
Ask to send you something over email
ParticularWallaby173@reddit
Ask for his work email. It'll be joe.bloggs@yourcompany.com
WanderWomble@reddit
Easiest way is to ask him to email you something. ☺️
DeliciousUse7585@reddit
“My name Paul. Your name?”
Say it like English isn’t your first language
ApplicationSouth8844@reddit
I’ve known a parent from my kids’ school for at least 6 years. I straight up asked her the other day what her name was 😂
Good_Witch_O@reddit
"What's your name again?" [Says First name] "No no, your surname"
And then you'll know both 😉
Xenozip3371Alpha@reddit
"Oy, I just realised you've never told me your fucking name mate"
Clear_Raisin@reddit
"hope its not too soon to ask... whats your name?"
Laylelo@reddit
“Let’s move this relationship to the next level”
Tilly828282@reddit
I’ve been working up to it… for four years
clicketybooboo@reddit
You can go with the “this is silly but I’ve totally forgotten your name” at this point they turn around and tell you it’s Simon. To which you reply “No, I meant your surname”
Problem solved
MrHlk2020@reddit
Ask them what anagrams they can make form their name and hope they say " ooooh, [their name], let's see.
Ps3Stagg@reddit
You just pick a name start calling them that to other people and wait for someone to correct you. I was calling a guy at work a different name for about 5 years before someone corrected me, but got there in the end, I told they guy we had a laugh and I still call him the wrong name
Sweaty_Ear_9247@reddit
If I were him, I would find you asking hilarious and endearing. Please do not feel embarrassed to ask, even if you open with "just checking, is your name James?" when he says no and corrects you, you can laugh and say "omg, I've been referring to you as James for 4 years, what a plonker I am!" then quickly move on to another topic. Ensure to end the conversation with "see you later James" just to show you're ok with how silly it all was. 😁
chmath80@reddit
Many years ago, I had a colleague who called me Patrick for 7 years, despite the fact that my actual name, which is not remotely similar, was always displayed on my name badge. The first couple of times it happened, I just pointed to the badge.
When it kept happening, I decided that I probably reminded her of someone else she knew whose name really was Patrick, and I stopped trying to correct her because it didn't bother me greatly (I used to get called by the wrong name quite often by others), and I always knew that she meant me because we never had a staff member named Patrick.
Eventually, someone else overheard her, and asked "Did you just call him Patrick?" She was quite annoyed with me.
uttertosser@reddit
When they ask a work question say you’ll get back to them with an email but if I haven’t responded by 1600 drop me a reminder email …. I use this a lot
Merlisch@reddit
I just asked for their surname. Everyone has the same first name anyhow (mate and luv).
RebeccaCheeseburger@reddit
Say, you know what we’ve been talking all these years and we’ve never properly introduced ourselves have we?
Saethwyr@reddit
well at this point the only thing you can do is follow him home one evening and try and go through some of his post.
Sixforsilver7for@reddit
Make an excuse to email a bunch of people- a World Cup sweep stakes would work- then ask him to confirm how his name is spelt.
Fantastic_Picture384@reddit
It's Bob Jones.
Sixforsilver7for@reddit
And now you have his name!
(But also- “yeah I was just checking if your email is bob or Robert” works in that situation too.)
Acceptable-Sentence@reddit
No good if you work in wales. Could be thousands of Bob Jones’s.
ShowmasterQMTHH@reddit
Bob ?
IDKBear25@reddit
Football brings everyone together.
glytxh@reddit
“I’m an idiot and I suck at names, and this is a bit awkward but what is your actual name?”
I’ve said something like this a bunch of times in my life. Nobody was ever offended.
RiceeeChrispies@reddit
I work in an office, so I always ask them to send me a Teams message. That’s an uno reverse card as it makes them ask for your name if they don’t know it!
MobiusNaked@reddit
What’s your name?
It’s bob, we’ve known each other for years!
Yeah I meant your surname silly!
Deadsuooo@reddit
He name is chandler
Leucurus@reddit
Miss Chanandler Bong
brokenlandmine@reddit
His name is Robert Paulson.
Leucurus@reddit
Or Paul Robertson.
stiletto929@reddit
I usually ask someone else, or ask how to spell their name. Or if you trust them ask them to put in their phone number and hand them your phone with the new contact page pulled up.
shanna811@reddit
I went to university with people who I spoke to every week. Never knew their names the entire 3 years. After so long it gets impolite to ask.
calpolqween@reddit
You start calling him Toby and then trash his office when he denies you a promotion
CozJeez85@reddit
Enter an ultra marathon, watch everyone in your life dismiss you as a hopeless dreamer. Train hard for it, any chance you get, fall out with your girlfriend who just wants to drink and party. Ask this man for sponsorship - he will fill out the form with his name and postcode. Don't forget to get him to tick gift aid. Become best friends, and then run across the length of Europe together.
Get Jacob Elordi to play you in the film, with Timothy Chalamet as your brother who gave up on you. And Anna Taylor Joy as your ex-girlfriend. With Idris Elba, playing the role of Bob your colleague who you couldn't name.
ParsnipMammoth1249@reddit
Just call him Dave. Trigger got away with it.
LieutenantBastard@reddit
"Hi mate, I think I'm having problems with my emails, could you send me a test email please?"
Job done.
TooMuchBrightness@reddit
Just ask HR or your receptionist!
Wonderful_Affect_664@reddit
Ask him to send you an email, that way you’ll find out whether he knows your name too! 😂
WhyN0tToast@reddit
Ask another coworker.
But beware if they say his name is Mo you may need to check his name isn't actually Lester and he's a bit handsy.
GreyScot88@reddit
If you have work emails I'd first try looking their name up in the company address book in Outlook or some such.
Otherwise I'd probably try get it from another coworker.
Then lastly just ask them.
NoExperience9717@reddit
Email address? Teams/Slack or whatever the Google one is? Ask someone else?
Vladamir_pootinn@reddit
Go up to him and say… you know what’s funny… iv been speaking to you for 4 years and I don’t know your name… what is it?
Either that or just be fucking awkward
meg-don@reddit
Ask them to email you something. Then it’s in their email address/signature
OurSeepyD@reddit
Find someone with a birthday, get a card, ask this person to sign it.
Repulsive_Sweet_5308@reddit
Can you use any of these to describe him to a co worker 😂
THE-HOARE@reddit
Go to say his name like oh this is ……. Sorry why am I having a brain fart moment!? Then when they say their name repeat it immediately saying yes sorry not sure how I could forget that sorry
OurSeepyD@reddit
"I'm sorry, you've known me four years and you've forgotten my name?? That's not just a brain fart, that's unbelievably insulting. I mean this little to you? I'm this close to calling HR and telling them how little you respect your colleagues."
Federal-Mixture-5794@reddit
LinkedIn. Search for the business, then look under people. Hopefully you spot their photo & name.
Only works if it's the type of company or role that would be on LinkedIn.
Failing that, ask someone else.
Asking for them to email you something is good, as I have seen a few mentions of this.
Though, if they ask you to pop them an email to act as a reminder when they get back to their computer. you're screwed. I have done this many a time, as I'm terrible with names but also spelling. so it could backfire.
Or.... though it might be more difficult to engineer. you could take someone along that they wont know (someone else from your department?). then get them to introduce themselves, in theory this person will no doubt introduce themselves back. you're screwed if they go on tradition and wait for you to make the introduction. so you have to brief the person on your 'team'.
As mentioned I'm terrible with names, so my partner knows to jump in this way at social/work events.
She jumps in and introduces herself straight away directly.
or... just get comfortable with never knowing, it adds a little risk/thrill into your conversations.
Dil26@reddit
Wasn’t this a How I Met Your Mother episode
Fantastic-Bad142@reddit
If you want to do it directly, ask them thier name. When they look shocked at you and tell you it, you reply with "oh no I know that obviously, I meant your surname". Flips it onto them. They feel embarrassed for suggesting you don't know thier name
Ambitious_Jeweler816@reddit
Get them to email you?
Secure-Vanilla4528@reddit
Just call him Dave.
Existingsquid@reddit
I ask them to spell out their email address as its first name.last name
Excellent-Ruin6779@reddit
If you cannot find another person to ask. Then find a reason to send an email.
If you're company has firstname.secondname@company.com email addresses or better yet if you use teams, very easy to find the full name.
Funky_monkey2026@reddit
What's your name?
Steve.
Yes, I know that, silly, just wondering what your surname was.
DeapVally@reddit
Askt them to email you something.
ShowmasterQMTHH@reddit
ask him to send you an email about something.
KoontFace@reddit
Can you just confirm your email address? I think I got a letter wrong somewhere
Sittn-On-the-Stump@reddit
How exactly does your family pronounce your first and sir name ? The reason I ask is my friend says I’m wrong about how his name is pronounced
dextrovix@reddit
Just find something you need them to forward to you via email, then you'll have their full name.
Odd_Cryptographer941@reddit
I'll pick some ice cream up!
SomethingPeach@reddit
'What's your name?'
'John...?'
'No sorry I meant your surname'
eggmayonnaise@reddit
"That is my surname..."
Aeslech@reddit
Imagine they have a name like Jordon / Lewis, and they straight up saying yeah that’s my surname what you thought that’s my first name!?
Kvark33@reddit
This is big brain
CobaltBlue389@reddit
Ask him if he were a dog how would he want his name shouted if he was doing something he shouldnt be. Easy.
WaltzFirm6336@reddit
If you can look them up on any kind of system, it’s much more polite to say you’ve forgotten someone’s surname.
It’s a trick I used to use when I was a secondary teacher at parents evening. Although I knew all my student’s names, the overwhelm from 90+ back to back meetings in a loud hall straight after a day of teaching often made them fall out of my head. But I did have a data sheet/laptop with me that allowed me to look by surname.
I learnt no one is ever offended if you forget their surname. Unless you’re married to them, I guess.
safefart@reddit
I made it to nine years without knowing a colleagues/friends name but bubba does have a name that's easy to forget
dpwtr@reddit
Surely someone else knows their name.
vario_@reddit
Next time it's someone's birthday, go around asking everyone to write their name in a card?
Ok-Middle8656@reddit
“How do you spell/pronounce your name properly?” And just hope they aren’t called John.
kitjen@reddit
Or Jon.
treehugger2998@reddit
'whats you name again?'
They will say 'Steve'
You laugh 'Sorry Steve, I mean your surname?'
Djinjja-Ninja@reddit
Ask them for their email address.
theocrats@reddit
"Sure its MSmith6@company.com"
Djinjja-Ninja@reddit
They're in the same company you can then just look them up.
St3lla_0nR3dd1t@reddit
Don’t wait four years?
But yeah, in that position ask a colleague, if you don’t have an internal phone directory or an email directory, or ask that colleague to send you an email.
VOODOO285@reddit
The way to do this is to admit you’ve forgotten but in a sneaky way.
You say, I’m sorry but I’ve forgotten your name. He will say his name is X giving his first name. You say, in a slightly exaggerated tone, I know that I meant your surname.
You get the name and you both save face. It really works!
Lazy-Kaleidoscope179@reddit
This is such an obvious ploy, though.
electricmohair@reddit
No, this is such a stock answer to this kind of question, if someone pulls this it’s obvious that they don’t know your name
Virtual_Opinion_8630@reddit
no
ask someone else
SeaClue4091@reddit
Assuming he has a signature on his email, ask him to send you an email with holiday recommendations
HashDefTrueFalse@reddit
Ask someone else, or ask them if you can double check the spelling of their name and have a reason that makes some sense in case they ask why. I've had to do this a few times because I'm terrible at remembering names of people I work with for a few minutes per week/month.
BobKickflip@reddit
It's a good technique sometimes, but like in Extras, they can just reply "oh, just the usual way!" 😂
HashDefTrueFalse@reddit
"My usual or your usual?" 😉
theyputitinyourwhat@reddit
I just blame perimenopause and ask people to their faces
Critical-Lettuce-503@reddit
Get some long crepe bandages, some raspberry jam and some blackcurrant jam. Mix the two jams together and smear them lightly on one shortish bit of crepe bandage, leave to dry. Wrap this around your head and then wrap over the top of it with a clean bandage leaving just a few bits of the jam smeared bandage exposed. This is to make it look a little blood stained.
Go into the office tomorrow and tell everyone you were in a horrible accident that has left you with a traumatic brain injury that has affected your memory of people's names. Ask everyone to tell you their name and fill in a My Name Is... sticker while you work to recover from this ailment.
If anyone asks what the accident was, put your head in your hands and tell them its too upsetting to talk about. Rub your fingers on a peeled clove of garlic first and then push them into your tear ducts to bring on some tears. If anyone asks about the smell of garlic, tell them you think its coming from Benjamin from IT. When they tell you there is no Benjamin in IT, you can just shrug and tell them that is what's written on his name tag.
No-Temperature4330@reddit
Just make up a nickname for him and exclusively use that. Go to your grave never knowing his name.
ZumaCrypto@reddit
His name is either Chandler or Toby. Pick one 🤣
Optimal_Collection77@reddit
Search Teams/outlook till you find them
AggressiveMouse394@reddit
Make up a reason for them to email you.. "I'll never remember that, haha, could you email it to me?"
Remote-Field4624@reddit
you have to call them mate now forever, if you know the sons and wifes name just hey hows x and stuff. mix it up with fella champ and stuff, your into deep. Ask someone in your department and if your worried act his name escaped you what that fella again etc. Ask someone else who will know and doesnt interact if its bothering you but I am actually in this atm with someone in my flat I know his dogs name and he says how you my name, if hes with the dog who is uber over friendly I say hi etc. If just us not bad mate how are you.
If you show intrest and be geniune with it you wont need use his name hopefully, that said I am making plans move away when the goes.......
Revilo1st@reddit
Get them to email you a recipe or a nature walk, or just about anything. They mention a portable fan in this heat, get a link.
yvieknievel@reddit
Just say u wanna send him something and get his email address?
girlwithapinkpack@reddit
Look him up on an org chart?
Brothy_Noods5979@reddit
Next time they’re telling you somthing, ask them to drop you a teams message.
Oh you went to a restaurant, send me a link via teams!
We should definitely grab lunch one day next week, drop me a teams message with what days work best for you.
Rob_Cake@reddit
Toby is that you ?
Prestigious-Guard311@reddit
I have the same problem with various people. Just ask one of his colleagues
TonyBlairsDildo@reddit
Mary him. At the wedding they refer to him in the third person during the exchange of vows.
Kooky_Personality281@reddit
I pass them my phone to add themselves on any of my socials accounts (works best for instagram where most people have a weird ass username but real name in the description) or even key in their name and phone number in your contact list.
FreddiesNightmare65@reddit
I would randomly call him several names, one after the other, quick puzzled rolling it out in the masses, like hey John, I mean Eric, I mean Greg, Kevin. Then place heel of hand on temple while pushing upwards that forces a raised eyebrow and say, "umm, what's your name?" It's Brian, "oh sorry, I'm having such a scrambled brain day, I forget my kids/siblings names all the time" because that's literally me, so I can see it happening to others, lol
Timely_Egg_6827@reddit
Say you want to email them something and want to check the spelling.
JonRoberts87@reddit
Think you just need to look for a new job mate.
Then in 4 years time repeat the process
philthy_barstool@reddit
You rewrite your last will and testament, and then ask them to witness it. Works like a charm.
Divide_Rule@reddit
Chances are you're both in the same boat here and it'll end up being a funny story.
WingingItSince87@reddit
Just start calling him a different name until he corrects you
HoboStrider@reddit
Negan 'The hell your name is?:
Playful_Beyond_2218@reddit
Can you email me the details of x ? Eg some fun event that he’s mentioned
aaron2933@reddit
Ask a colleague, see if you have some sort of company map, or see if you can find them through an internal messaging system if you have one
JetPac76@reddit
My email isn't working. Can you send me a test mail please.
spik0rwill@reddit
Ask someone else what his name is
strawberrychief@reddit
I have this with someone I know in a different context, we have a lot in common. I'm planning to ask a third person "so, who's doing X this week" when I know perfectly well it's unknown-name person.
HighwayEconomy579@reddit
Enter a competition where you need Sponsors, start a raffle (basically anything where you need to go around and take people’s names) …job done 👍
BrokenZX81@reddit
Ask someone else
MCfru1tbasket@reddit
Have no shame, say you're shit with names, make a point of not caring if someone refers to you as 'oi' etc.
I don't tend to use people's names ever for some reason or another and when I don't use/do something very often my brain just chucks it away.
Beautiful_Task3294@reddit
'Hey what's your name again?'
'No sorry I meant your full name'
Just pretend you couldn't rememeber their second name.
Or just ask them how they spell their name and make up some shit that you know someone with the same name but they spell it weirdly and wanted to see if it was common.
DMF_47@reddit
Get a grip and just ask him ffs
LennonC123@reddit
Anyone’s birthday? Get them a card, ask him to sign it
Martin7431@reddit
echoing other comments you either need to ask someone else or ask him directly in a very comedic manner
Ok_Data1512@reddit
This happens a lot. Just ask.
Mimizxc@reddit
Just hit him with something casual like “wait I’ve never actually asked your name, what is it” and move on like it’s normal.
After 4 years it’s only awkward if you make it a big confession. He’ll probably find it funny anyway, not weird.
Eoin_McLove@reddit
Get him to sign a birthday or leaving card card or something. Even if he just signs his first name you can probably work it out from his email address or on Teams.
Semele5183@reddit
Claim you couldn’t find him on the email address book for some reason and ask him to drop you an email
limboxd@reddit
if you're both guys you can just ask I won't lie, it wouldn't be the first time two men spoke and didn't actually know each other's names haha. Or ask someone else.
windy_on_the_hill@reddit
Can we assume you don't get company email addresses?
Does he use your name?
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