My oc became popular in fanon

I once happened across a fandom in its early days of creation. If I recall right, I was the third to write for that fandom which later blew up. Anyway, in my fics I had an oc as a recurring supporting character. Let's say the oc was the main character' secretary, specific name, looks, and personality etc.

When the fandom grew and more fics started popping up, my oc was suddenly featured in so many of them. Whenever the main character needed a secretary, my character was there. To this day I see my oc in new fics now and then as though people believe they're a canon character.

It's incredibly flattering.

Ever experienced something similar?