Matt ... and Other Monosyllabic Names

Have you ever known a Matt? Two of them come to mind when I think of the name. Both are gay. Neither goes by Matthew (which is why I generally opt to call them by their last names).
...
And just now, after making that proclamation, I just recalled another Matt. He married the daughter of a first cousin which would make him a first cousin once removed by marriage. He and his lovely bride made two adorable children.

I think of people who write stories and the time they take in choosing the names of the characters. I was watching the old episodes of IRONSIDE and noted that the 'team' was made up of people with monosyllabic names: Ed, Mark, Eve, Fran. Even IRONSIDE himself who was named Robert, usually went by Bob. Curiously, the two other male characters, Ed and Mark, were both actors with the first name Don. Upon closer inspection I learned that the Ed character was born Donald Poe Galloway while the Mark character was born Don Michael Mitchell.

One of the advantages of having a short, monosyllabic name is that it comes across more aggressive sounding when it is used to call someone:

"Fran! Mark! Hop to it! Chop-chop!"

After years of living with and around people who shout out, I am thankful that I have opted for a quieter life and lifestyle. I tell most people at work to call me by my last name. And some day (before I pass) I think I might even change my name completely. Try and find me (and those passbooks).