My name still is Craig. How did that question become a part of the English language? I can’t think of a single instance where a living person’s name exists in the past.

I fully understand that English doesn’t make any sense. Our grammar, spelling and usage evolve and have evolved from multiple other languages, but how did that evolution include something so contradictory?

Sure, maybe I provided my name previously and someone has forgotten it, but the question then becomes, “What is your name, again?” I suppose it’s possible that my name has actually changed, in which case someone may need to the name I formerly had. But I don’t think that evolution applies to this phrase.

There is a similar situation in a restaurant: “Were you finished with your plate?” “Why, yes, I was, but now I’m not.”

If anyone has answers, or more examples, let me know!