From: Risë Segur, 55, engineer, Rochester, N.Y., rks@eznet.net

Date: 11/17/03

I was named after Risë Stevens, too (I’m a Methodist).

My friends in high school called me “rise” just to be cute. My name didn't slow me down — it made me stronger. I did want to change it to Linda when I was in school, but I like it now. Although I sometimes get mail addressed to “Mr.”

At one point, my sister wanted to change my niece 's name (her name is Risë too). Sis said she was too much like me.