Ann Bausum: Hello, my name is Ann Bausum. At least that's how I grew up pronouncing my name. My father who was a history professor was nicknamed Awesome Bausum but his students, and that rhyme can help you remember this pronunciation. My great-grandfather was born in China as the son of a German immigrant. He moved to the United States in the 19th century. If my ancestors ever pronounced their family name Bowsom the way it would be said by German speakers, that pronunciation was lost by their descendants. People who see my name for the first time often wonder how to say it, and many of them guess that it is Bowsom. I've tried to retrain myself to say Bowsom instead of Bausum, but without success. I spent too many years saying it one way I suppose. No matter how you say it I am reminded of my family history, so you choose. My name is Ann Bausum or my name is Ann Bowsom.