Does Starbucks Spell Your Name Wrong on Purpose?

Disclaimer: I was recently a barista that served Starbucks for 7 months.

Disclaimer #2: I LOVE Starbucks, I'm on a first name basis with the one on State Street, but come on, something's up.

How many times have you seen someone post online a picture of their Starbucks cup with a joke about how their name is misspelled?  For me, it's almost daily that I see it.  After being a barista, I felt their pain, but I'm still suspicious.  When you're about to make someone their 'double shot, non-fat, no-whip, extra-hot, 140 degrees to be exact, stirred twice, pumpkin spice latte', the name is the last thing on your mind.  Also, in a lot of cases, there are SO many different ways to spell a name.

This one happened to me recently, my full name is Mikayla... and ...

Like... WHAT?

So, I've read theories that Starbucks spells the name wrong on purpose so that customers post a photo online. Another disclaimer, I was never told to do that. But in my opinion, it's a genius idea because that means FREE advertising for Starbucks.  As if having one every two blocks aren't enough, Starbucks just might've gone and finessed social media.  Maybe Meg's Daily Grind or Rockford Roasting Company will get your name right.