Q&A for How to Find Out Someone's Name That You Have Forgotten

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Question

Is it bad to forget someone's name?

Tami Claytor
Etiquette Coach
Tami Claytor is an Etiquette Coach, Image Consultant, and the Owner of Always Appropriate Image and Etiquette Consulting in New York, New York. With over 20 years of experience, Tami specializes in teaching etiquette classes to individuals, students, companies, and community organizations. Tami has spent decades studying cultures through her extensive travels across five continents and has created cultural diversity workshops to promote social justice and cross-cultural awareness. She holds a BA in Economics with a concentration in International Relations from Clark University. Tami studied at the Ophelia DeVore School of Charm and the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she earned her Image Consultant Certification.

Tami Claytor

Etiquette Coach

Expert Answer

Not at all! There are times when you have so much on your mind that you may see someone you recognize without being able to remember their name.

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Question

How do you really remember someone's name?

Tami Claytor
Etiquette Coach
Tami Claytor is an Etiquette Coach, Image Consultant, and the Owner of Always Appropriate Image and Etiquette Consulting in New York, New York. With over 20 years of experience, Tami specializes in teaching etiquette classes to individuals, students, companies, and community organizations. Tami has spent decades studying cultures through her extensive travels across five continents and has created cultural diversity workshops to promote social justice and cross-cultural awareness. She holds a BA in Economics with a concentration in International Relations from Clark University. Tami studied at the Ophelia DeVore School of Charm and the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she earned her Image Consultant Certification.

Tami Claytor

Etiquette Coach

Expert Answer

Take a breath and slow down for a moment. If you see the person often, their name will probably come back to you if you give yourself some time to think.

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Question

What if you ask them what their name is and their only response is "why?" I am in a cult with this guy and he refuses to tell us and he keeps using aliases.

ItsNora119

Community Answer

Since YOU have already asked him, either have someone else ask him, or have someone ask him how to spell/say his name. If he refuses it is really his prerogative and you should respect it.

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Question

There's this girl I have a crush on, how can I find out her last name? Someone else I know has the same first name.

Community Answer

Ask her. If you don't really know her, go up and introduce yourself, and say, "Oh, I have a friend named [her name], what's your last name so I don't get confused." If you don't want to do that, just ask around, I'm sure someone knows her last name.

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Question

What do I do if they won't answer my questions?

Community Answer

Apologize. Take the blame. Tell them that you can't even remember your own name sometimes. Smile and wait a while, or ask someone else if they know the person's name.

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Question

How can I find out someone's middle name?

Community Answer

Just ask them! Even if they've already told you before, they shouldn't be offended if you've forgotten. Just say, "Hey, what's your middle name again?"

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Question

Sometimes I forget my mommy's name when I am talking to other people about her. How do I remember?

Giselle DaSilva

Community Answer

You could ask your mother her name straight up, or just refer to her as your mommy like you did in this question. If you have a phone or watch, you could also change your mom's contact info to something like “Mom (your mom's real name)” so whenever you forget her name you can simply open contacts and there it is.

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Question

A boy came up to me and asked for my snap but I didn't have it so I said that. Then I never saw him again. How do I find out his name?

SERENITYJ KHAN

Community Answer

If you can't find him, like he is lost, all you can do is hope to see him again. If you see him often but you don't talk, go up to him and ask. If you want to know someone, see what they like, or you could ask to be friends or partners.

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