I've actually anglosised (sp?) the pronunciation of my last name as very few can wrap their tongue around the Latvian pronounciation which is Uh-Mut-nee-ex. Ah-Mat-nix is just that much easier.
As my ISP couldn't accomodate my full last name in my e-mail address I dropped the 's' in Amatnieks (amatniek) and now I have to remind myself to spell my name properly. I'm far too lazy to change either my last name or my e-mail so it remains.
When in some waiting room and I see that the receptionist gets a look of horor on her face and she tries to enunciate as if her mouth is full of pebbles, I know it is my turn to be served...
Yuri