In many parts of the world, people have compound names.

In Latin America, it is very common for women to be named Mary [something]. Although its origins are rooted in honoring Virgin Mary, today naming a baby with a biblical name does not necessarily imply the family are practicing Catholics (or any other branch of Christianity). In my case, it does.

My full name is María de los Ángeles Picone, and that’s how I like to be introduced to people. It is one name with four words, it is not first name, second name, etc. Because many women in Argentina (including my family) were called María [something], none of us respond to “María.” That’s why I generally go by Ángeles. The most appropriate way to call me is María de los Ángeles Picone or (alternatively, the second time) Ángeles Picone [pronounce my name].