In my family, the "ann" gets passed down from mother to daughter.  My Grandmother was Elizabeth Ann, my mother is Lizann, and I am Holliann.  If I have a little girl, I will combine the "ann" with another unusual little girl's name.

Growing up, everyone tried to shorten my name to "Holli."  Even now, as a working professional, I still have to correct people.  Nothing beats introducing yourself as "Holliann", only to have the person you just met turn around and call you "Holli." 

The questions about my name's orgin never cease to amaze me.  "Were you a Christmans baby?"  "Do you have a middle name?"  "Are you parents Boston fans?"  November, Renee, and my parents hold conservative white-collar jobs - what do you think?  Then there are the people who simply cannot grasp "Holli" and "ann" put together - without fail, pronouncing my name as "Hellion."

When all is said and done, I wouldn't change a thing.  I love my name and the family history behind it.  I can also guarantee that when someone screams "Holliann" they are talking to me.