Only a person named Howard could answer this - My name is Howard, but people typically call me "Harold."

I just mis-remember someone's name - or didn't hear it in the first place - happens all the time... particularly on the phone.

Sharing what a voice coach taught over 15 years ago:

Most people don't hear the first 3 seconds properly because they haven't focused or are still processing what they last heard.... or thinking about what they are going to say next, etc, etc.

I think humour is the best way to be rememberable because laughter is the shortest distance between two people...

Here's my pragmatic solution for someone who's name presents such a wonderful opportunity - HH!

Add a couple of words and repeat your first name-

"Hello, I'm my name is Howard (pause) Howard Halpern - some people confuse me with Howard Hughes... but all my friends just call me Howard."

Repeat a thousand times and you'll be able to give a John Cleese like professional humourous rendition, and any Harold associations will be firmly set aside.

BTW, in my extended family we had seven "Richards" at one time and no amount of variation can avoid a multitude of "Ricks" and "Dicks".