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Woman named after Mickey Mouse warns parents as she reflects on growing up with a name that made her feel embarrassed and judged in the US

Mickey Mouse
Mickey Mouse

Rollins, it was a constant reminder of how names can shape childhood, social experiences, and even identity.

Her birth name? Mickie Lettuce. Yes, you read that right.

And now, with influencer Trisha Paytas naming her son Aquaman, Mickie felt it was time to speak out about the long-term impact of what she calls “mental” names.


Trisha Paytas Sparks Debate with Baby Name Choice

Trisha Paytas, the internet personality known for her bold choices, recently introduced her newborn son to the world — and called him Aquaman.

The name joins her other children’s unconventional monikers: Malibu Barbie and Elvis.

While some fans applauded the creativity, others — like Mickie — felt it crossed a line.

For Mickie, now an adult looking back on her childhood, names like these aren’t quirky or fun. They’re life-shaping.


“I Was Named After a Mouse and a Vegetable”

Mickie took to social media to share her own naming story, using it as a cautionary tale.

“I legally changed my name because my middle name was Lettuce and my surname was literally a swear word,” she explained.

Her first name, Mickie, wasn’t short for Michaela or Michelle.

Nope, she says her mum named her after Mickey Mouse, choosing a more “feminine” spelling for the sake of uniqueness.

But that uniqueness came with a price.


Childhood Wasn’t Easy with That Name

Mickie doesn’t sugarcoat it. “It holds you back massively,” she said.

“You’re just asking to get bullied and asking for that kid to have a really s*** life in school.”

She pointed out that it’s often people with very typical names — think Emily, Sarah, or Hannah — who give their kids over-the-top ones.

She described her upbringing as rough, having to constantly explain her name to strangers and classmates.

It got so tiring, she eventually changed it to something that didn’t invite so many raised eyebrows.


Her Family Went All In on Unusual Names

And it wasn’t just her. Her older sister was named Buddie Mercedes, while her twin sister lucked out slightly with the more conventional India Holly.

“To have India Holly as your twin and you get LETTUCE?!” one commenter wrote, capturing the collective shock of the internet.

Mickie described their names as her mother’s attempt to “clamber” toward a middle-class identity — despite coming from a working-class background.


The Internet Chimes In

People were sympathetic, especially over her middle name. Comments poured in:

  • “Mickie is pretty normal but lettuce…”

  • “My middle name is the letter ‘T’. That’s it. Just a ‘T’.”

  • “I’m sorry WHAT? You got Lettuce and your twin got India Holly?!”

The reactions only reinforced Mickie’s point: names matter more than some parents realize.


A Message to Parents: Think Beyond the Wow Factor

Mickie’s takeaway was simple but heartfelt: think long and hard before giving your child a headline-grabbing name.

It might feel creative now, but that kid has to carry it for life — through schoolyard teasing, job interviews, and every awkward introduction in between.

As wild baby names continue to trend on social media, voices like Mickie’s are a reminder that not every child wants to be a walking punchline.