Every Name Matters: Championing Apostrophe Inclusivity in Digital Spaces
O’Pressed but Not Forgotten
The O’Pressed Society is dedicated to addressing an overlooked issue: the lack of support for apostrophes on internet forms. For those with Irish surnames and other names with punctuation, this small oversight becomes a daily reminder of how technology can unintentionally erase identity.
Governments, big business, and bureaucracies everywhere are guilty.
Our mission is to raise awareness of this design flaw and advocate for simple changes that make a big difference. We believe a name is more than just text—it’s heritage, culture, and individuality. By supporting our work or downloading our guide, you can help ensure that organisations everywhere respect the full diversity of names, one form at a time.
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
— Nelson Mandela
Contact Us
Have you faced the frustration of seeing your name rejected because of an apostrophe? Or do you want to ensure your organisation’s forms are inclusive and accessible to all? Let’s work together to tackle this overlooked form of digital discrimination.
Fill out your details, and we’ll be in touch to discuss how we can make a difference—because every name deserves to be respected, apostrophes included.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
– Martin Luther King Jr.
Apostrophes of Pride: A Poetic Stand for Names
For the O’Byrnes
O’Byrne, a name of ancient song,
Of Irish roots, both proud and strong.
Yet forms reject, as if to spurn,
The rightful place of each O’Byrne.
We’ll stand for names, both old and new,
For O’Byrne’s legacy to shine through.
For the O’Briens
O’Brien’s tale is rich and deep,
A name that history vows to keep.
Yet forms reject, they draw a line,
Denying roots both old and fine.
We stand for names with rightful grace,
To give O’Brien its rightful place.
For the O’Reillys
O’Reilly stands, a name with pride,
Yet forms reject it, cast aside.
A simple mark, a storied tale,
Denied by code, systems fail.
Let’s fight for names, both near and far,
For O’Reillys to be who they are.
For the D’Angelos
D’Angelo’s grace, Italian flair,
Yet forms don’t see the apostrophe there.
A name of warmth, of rich design,
Reduced to errors in the digital line.
We rise to ensure their names stay whole,
Apostrophe warriors with heart and soul.
For the O’Connors
O’Connor speaks of Ireland’s green,
But digital forms are cruel and mean.
“Invalid input” they loudly cry,
As names like this are left to die.
We fight for forms that understand,
The weight of names across the land.
For the D’Arcys
D’Arcy stands both bold and true,
A name of French and Gaelic hue.
But online walls so often say,
“Your name can’t live this way today.”
No! We’ll make it right, we vow,
Every name deserves respect now.
For the O’Sullivans
O’Sullivan, a name of lore,
But forms will shut the digital door.
This simple mark, so often banned,
Denies the heart of where they stand.
Let’s code a future, one inclusive,
Where names like these aren’t so elusive.
For All Apostrophe Names
O’, D’, L’, a world so wide,
Each name a flag of family pride.
Yet forms reject, they break, they fail,
Reducing stories to a sadder tale.
But we are here, we’ll fight this wrong,
To make a space where all belong.
For every name deserves its place,
In every form, in every space.