My parents named me after their dead dog. Honestly. Let me be clear: they did not simply recycle the name of an admired pet or panic after harboring a “Baby Boy Goodman” after several days in the hospital. My parents thoughtfully and intentionally named me after their beloved golden retriever, Ollie. My name did not just come with a quirky conception story, but also a set of expectations I was required to fulfill. My mother, who often liked to reminisce...

Keep your...