Athlete Names That Drive You Nuts
What's in a name? Well, if you're one of these athletes, a hell of a lot of confusing letters that make it difficult for fans to either spell out or say.
Sure, these players might be stars who are either established in their respective sport or up-and-comers with the game and name for everyone to know.
But, unfortunately, it's not too easy for anyone to actually spell it out—which can be frustrating as hell.
Shout out to Nnamdi Asomugha who retired a while ago. We didn't forget you.
Skylar Diggins
1 of 25
Difficulty Level: 18 percent
One of the most gifted women's basketball players on the planet, Tulsa Shock guard Skylar Diggins has a few letters in her first and last name that can make it tricky to write out—especially when trying to Google search her.
Having an "A" in her first name and a second "I" in her last aren't the way you want to write it out when saying them out loud.
Used in a sentence: Skylar Diggins showed that she has as hot of a hoops game as she does style, earning her first trip to the WNBA All-Star Game in 2014.
Ezekiel Elliott
2 of 25
Difficultly Level: 24 percent
Ezekiel Elliott is the darling of college football right now.
Following his insane performance in Monday night's title game against the Oregon Ducks, Elliott has fans chanting his nickname, Zeke, from all parts of the country.
And that's a good thing, too, because for whatever reason, his first name is one of those that just seems tough to spell.
Used in a sentence: Running back Ezekiel Elliott helped carry the Ohio State Buckeyes to a national title by rushing for over 200 yards in each of the past three games—wins over Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship Game, Alabama in the Sugar Bowl and Oregon in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.
Torii Hunter
3 of 25
Difficulty Level: 35 percent
It might not appear to be too difficult to spell out, but outfielder Torii Hunter's name is one that you can't help but look over a few times to make sure you got it right.
That double-I can get you every time.
Used in a sentence: Five-time All-Star Torii Hunter recently returned to his roots by signing a one-year deal worth $10.5 million with the Minnesota Twins, where he started his MLB career when the team drafted him back in 1993.
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Dustin Byfuglien
4 of 25
Difficult Level: 58 percent
It's a good thing that Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien has a nickname like "Big Buff", otherwise I'm not sure there would be too many fans out there who would even try writing or saying his name.
I'll just say this—even after writing his name a few times already for this article, I still have no idea if I'm getting it right.
Used in a sentence: Dustin Byfuglien has not only made two NHL All-Star Games in his career (2011, 2012), but he earned a Stanley Cup title as a member of the Chicago Blackhawks in 2010.
Nikola Vucevic
5 of 25
Difficulty Level: 60 percent
Seeing how his name is just funky as hell to write out, I'm really glad I wasn't responsible in spelling out the big-time contract that Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic received prior to the 2014-15 season.
Whoever did is probably pretty happy that there's something called spellcheck, though.
Used in a sentence: Proving that he's one of the most talented centers in the league, big man Nikola Vucevic has averaged double figures in both points and rebounds the past three seasons, increasing his scoring average in each year.
Jameis Winston
6 of 25
Difficulty Level: 62 percent
His nickname might be "Famous Jameis", but that doesn't mean that Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston's first name is spelled as some fans might think.
Having that "E" before the "I" in his first name is certainly a pain in the ass when writing out the name of the future first-round NFL pick.
Used in a sentence: Having a dream season during the 2013 college football campaign, Jameis Winston won the Heisman Trophy and led his Seminoles to a national title in his redshirt freshman campaign.
Haloti Ngata
7 of 25
Difficulty Level: 65 percent
There aren't too many 340-pound men who have the agility and overall talent that Baltimore Ravens All-Pro Haloti Ngata has.
Likewise, there aren't too many athletes who have a more frustrating name to try to spell out.
I mean, really, while his first name is pretty simple—even if it is unique—his last name has a "G" following the letter "N". The silent "G" should come first right? Like lasagna.
Used in a sentence: After being drafted 12th overall by the Ravens in the 2006 NFL draft, defensive tackle Haloti Ngata has earned five Pro Bowl visits and won a Super Bowl with the team during the 2012 season, becoming one of the best defenders in the league.
Jonathan Toews
8 of 25
Difficulty Level: 68 percent
In addition to having a first name that, for whatever reason, always proves to be a thorn in my side trying to spell correctly, Jonathan Toews of the Chicago Blackhawks has a last name that appears like it should sound like a certain body part on a human's foot.
Instead, the talented captain actually pronounces his last name, "tayvz," blowing the mind of sports fans who may have just learned that.
Used in a sentence: The Blackhawks locked up cornerstones Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane to multi-year deals during the offseason, rewarding the two-time Stanley Cup champs with contracts that will keep them in Chicago in hopes of winning more rings.
Manny Pacquiao
9 of 25
Difficultly Level: 69 percent
Legendary boxer Manny Pacquiao might be a real treat to watch while in the ring, but his name isn't one that's too fun to spell out.
I'll admit that, while it is fun to say, writing the Filipino's last name is always tricky, using letters that one might not expect would be in there and forcing people to always double-check their work.
Used in a sentence: It appears that, after agreeing to all the stipulations put forth by Floyd Mayweather Jr., Manny Pacquiao will finally step into the ring with the prized fighter, hoping to knock off the undefeated Money Mayweather.
Tianlang Guan
10 of 25
Difficultly Level: 72 percent
The hype around Chinese golfer Tianlang Guan may have cooled a little bit since his unprecedented run during the 2013 Masters, but even with people writing and talking about him nonstop at the time, his name is still one of the trickiest in sports.
I hope the kid succeeds in his golf career—and I succeed at saying his name correctly when I talk about him, because it's difficult.
Used in a sentence: During the 2013 Masters, then 14-year-old golfer Tianlang Guan became the youngest player to ever make the cut during the storied tournament.
Mark Teixeira
11 of 25
Difficultly Level: 75 percent
It's pretty fitting that New York Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira was drafted and played for the Texas Rangers early in his career.
That's because his last name is eerily similar to the spelling of the state—with a few extra vowels in there for good measure.
With two cases of an "E" before "I," as well as an "X" in his last name, Teixeira is one of those last names I just can't master.
Used in a sentence: After signing an eight-year, $180 million deal with the Yankees in 2009, Mark Teixeira earned his second career All-Star appearance, leading the American League in both home runs (39) and RBI (122), while capping his terrific season with a World Series ring.
Ben Roethlisberger
12 of 25
Difficulty Level: 78 percent
You would think that, for a guy whose career I've followed since his time at Miami (OH), I would understand how to spell his last name correctly, right?
Well, not so much.
One of the toughest quarterbacks in the league, I often refer to the Pittsburgh Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger as simply "Big Ben" thanks to the trouble I have spelling out the doozy of a last name he has.
Used in a sentence: With two Super Bowl rings in three appearances, Ben Roethlisberger has proved that he might just be a future Hall of Famer.
Jonas Valanciunas
13 of 25
Difficulty Level: 80 percent
With all due respect to Lithuanian people out there, I will always struggle with writing out the names of many of your basketball players—even after all of the years I cheered for Zydrunas Ilgauskas on the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The most recent example is of Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas, who has a last name that looks more like a European country in and of itself, as it's nearly impossible to spell correctly on the first try.
Used in a sentence: Following a tough first NBA season, former fifth overall selection Jonas Valanciunas has strung together solid seasons the past two years, increasing his scoring average in helping the Raptors become a real threat for the Eastern Conference title.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
14 of 25
Difficulty Level: 82 percent
One of the candidates for this year's Ballon d'Or Trophy—given to the best soccer player in the world—Zlatan Ibrahimovic may not have won the prestigious award, but he might win for the most difficult name to spell on the ballot.
Simply known as Ibra, the Swedish national team and Paris Saint-Germain striker always seems to cause people to make sure they didn't butcher his first and last name when writing it out.
Used in a sentence: One of the most talented players in the world, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has led his Paris Saint-Germain squad to two Trophee des Champions titles, the highest award in French club soccer.
Valtteri Filppula
15 of 25
Difficulty Level: 84 percent
Want to see a tongue-twisting name? Go ahead and try saying Tampa Bay Lightning center Valtteri Filppula's name 10 times fast.
I bet you stumble over your words and can't do it, right?
Don't worry, seeing how difficult it is to write and say, you're not alone with the frustration.
Used in a sentence: After playing eight seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, Finnish player Valtteri Filppula signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning prior to the 2013-14 season, recording a career-high 25 goals in his first year with the team.
Ndamukong Suh
16 of 25
Difficulty Level: 85 percent
Much like the aforementioned Haloti Ngata, Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh is an absolute beast along the defensive line.
After earning four trips to the Pro Bowl, the former No. 2 overall pick is set for a big payday this offseason after establishing himself as one of the nastiest players in football.
It's too bad that spelling his name isn't as easy for us as it is for him to rough up opposing players, though.
Used in a sentence: Although Ndamukong Suh has a reputation as the dirtiest player in the NFL, he actually has shown to have a softer side, as he was also named America's most charitable athlete back in 2011.
Jeff Samardzija
17 of 25
Difficulty Level: 86 percent
Not only does new Chicago White Sox pitcher Jeff Samardzija have one of the longest last names in sports, but he also happens to have one of the most challenging to spell.
A star at Notre Dame in both football and baseball, Samardzija chose to play a sport where he would rather prevent hits than take them—which was a solid move on his part.
Not so solid, though, is making fans struggle with spelling his last name each time they try.
Used in a sentence: While snagging passes for the Fighting Irish in college, Jeff Samardzija made multiple All-American teams during his time in South Bend, proving he was quite the two-sport talent.
Hau'oli Kikaha
18 of 25
Difficulty Level: 88 percent
With all the talented players in college football, can you name the one who led the NCAA in sacks during the 2014 season?
That would be Washington Huskies linebacker Hau'oli Kikaha, whose name, as you might imagine, gives more than a few people trouble—assuming they even knew he was the sack master in the recently completed college football season.
Used in a sentence: While Hau'oli Kikaha recorded 19 sacks in 2014, it was quite the surprise, as he surpassed the total amount of quarterback takedowns from his previous three seasons combined, which was at 16.5 entering the year.
Mark Buehrle
19 of 25
Difficulty Level: 90 percent
Even as he has proved to be one of the most consistent pitchers of the past decade-plus, Toronto Blue Jays lefty hurler Mark Buehrle's name hasn't gotten any easier to spell.
A five-time All-Star, Buehrle is a guy any team should feel confident in having on the bump for a big game, but not when trying to figure out if his last name is spelled right on the back of his jersey.
Used in a sentence: Statistically speaking, Mark Buehrle enjoyed his best season during 2005, going 16-8 with a 3.12 ERA, which, ironically, happened to be the year in which he won his first-ever World Series title while with the Chicago White Sox.
Wojciech Szczesny
20 of 25
Difficulty Level: 92 percent
Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny might be saving shots for one of the most prestigious club teams in the English Premier League, but he probably isn't hearing too many cheers from fans for his efforts.
No, that's not because he's necessarily doing a poor job, but because his name is so damn difficult to say and spell.
Sorry, Wojciech. Nothing against you, bud.
Used in a sentence: Although Wojciech Szczesny didn't play in the match, he was a member of Arsenal's FA Cup victory over Hull City in 2014, earning the first major honor in his club career.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
21 of 25
Difficultly Level: 93 percent
A rising star in the league, the Milwaukee Bucks think they have a future All-Star in Giannis Antetokounmpo to help them run the show.
It's too bad that, even if he does reach his full potential, Antetokounmpo will never become a household name—but only because no one can actually pronounce or spell it right.
I'll just go ahead and keep referring to him as "The Greek Freak" instead.
Used in a sentence: After a rookie campaign that saw him average 6.8 points and 4.4 boards, Giannis Antetokounmpo has improved to the tune of 11.7 points and 6.2 rebounds in 2014-15, making him a player to keep an eye on as he continues to make highlight-reel plays.
Dwyane Wade
22 of 25
Difficulty Level: 95 percent
At first glance, one might not think that Miami Heat All-Star Dwyane Wade has too tough of a name to spell out.
But after some research, you would find that it is one of the most commonly misspelled sports names.
With an uncommon "Y" sandwiched in the middle of his first name, D-Wade plays a few tricks on those who are trying to write out his name.
Used in a sentence: In addition to his three NBA titles, Dwyane Wade proved he had serious game off the court, too, snagging actress Gabrielle Union and recently marrying her.
Miikka Kiprusoff
23 of 25
Difficulty Level: 98 percent
I know that he retired a few years ago, but in the history of difficult athlete names, former NHL goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff's is one of the most confusing ever.
With a double "I" and "K" in his first name, as well as a tough last name that requires multiple looks to make sure it's correct, the Finnish backstop frustrated sports writers for 12 seasons whenever they had to talk about him.
Used in a sentence: Although Miikka Kiprusoff never won a Stanley Cup title during his playing days, he did earn one Vezina Trophy—given to the top goalie in the league each season—and made one All-Star Game appearance.
Xander Bogaerts
24 of 25
Difficulty Level: 99 percent
While it's still up for debate as to whether or not Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts will turn into a star, no one can deny that his full name is one of the most difficult to spell in all of sports.
His first name is both unique and a challenge to spell, and his last name is one that throws multiple vowels into the mix, making it a struggle to get right anytime someone writes it out.
Used in a sentence: Entering the 2014 season, Xander Bogaerts was high on baseball pundits' list of potential stars, as he ranked as the top prospect in all of MLB.
Sokratis Papastathopoulos
25 of 25
Difficulty Level: 99 percent
All I can say about Greek national team and Borussia Dortmund club member Sokratis Papastathopoulos' full name? Thank goodness there's such a thing as copy/paste, otherwise no one would get the thing right.
With a first name that's difficult and a last name that's just insanity to try to figure out how to spell, I'm really happy I don't need to write about Papastathopoulos every day—or I might just go crazy.
Used in a sentence: Due to his last name being so long, Sokratis Papastathopoulos puts just his first name on the back of his game jersey, making it a hell of a lot easier for the person sewing the names on his club's kits.
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