1. 98% of the time you've had to repeat your name during introductions. "No, my name is not Decland. Or Douglas. Or Darren. Or Jack. Or Jacqueline."
2. Then there's the vexed issue of people shortening your name. "Can I call you Decco? Deccy?"
3. Sometimes you get the nickname "Dexter".
4. Your mind was blown when you first learned that Elvis Costello's real name is Declan.
5. You don't come across many people with the name, so it's especially strange when you discover different ways of spelling it - like Cyndi Lauper's son, Declyn.
6. When you meet another Declan in reality, it's like:
HEY THAT GUY HAS MY NAME.
7. In the UK and Ireland, you were grateful when this easily-recognisable reference point became famous.
Though it often does involve adding "...as in 'Ant and Dec'" to introductions.
8. Then there's the unexpected thrill of hearing that a fictional creation has your name, like Matthew Goode's character in Leap Year.
Or Martin Freeman in Shaun of The Dead.
Or Connor Paolo's character in Revenge.
9. Growing up pre-internet, you could NEVER find a mug with your name on it. You're still scarred by that, if you're honest.
10. And in the internet era, you have to contend with several conflicting Urban Dictionary definitions of your name.
11. It goes without saying that coffee cups suffer severe identity crises.
12. And autographs can go frustratingly awry. Delecn?
Though occasionally the 'slebs can get it right (I think).
13. But at least I'm the only Declan in all of BuzzFeed.
