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Will Ferrell said it was "excruciating" to be called "John" on the first week of school. The "Barbie" actor added that he did not know why he felt embarrassed. A psychologist weighs in on why names can cause insecurities.

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You can opt-out at any time by visiting our Preferences page or by clicking "unsubscribe" at the bottom of the email. Advertisement The first day of school is never easy. It was especially awkward for Will Ferrell , as he had to deal with being called by his real name: John.

"On the first day of school, the teacher would be like, 'John Ferrell,' and it was so embarrassing to me to have to say, 'Here. But I go by Will, I don't go by John,'" Ferrell told Christina Applegate and Jamie-Lynn Sigler on Tuesday's episode of the MeSsy podcast. His full name is John William Ferrell.

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"It was excruciating," the "Barbie" actor, 56, said, explaining that teachers would often take a week to remember to call him Will. "So the beginning of the school year was always like, 'Oh my gosh, I hate this.'" When.

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