Does your name decide you character?

Answer 1

no... i don't think so. my name means "god is judge", and although i believe it... well, i don't think it necessarily decides my character. i think our actions determine our character, and our name is just something to remember our faces by....

Answer 2

I don't think it decides your character, although names do have a lot more significance than people think. For example, studies have shown that people are more likely to have a particular career if their surname suggests it - Mr Baker, say, or Miss Farmer, although these are obviously more 'traditional' surnames.

Psychologies magazine also writes about the effect that names can have on first impressions, stating that "people are more likely to be persuaded to favour someone or do their bidding if that person has a similar or familiar name to them." We are also told the we tend to favour the letters of the alphabet that appear in our name, although I spose this derives from the first time we learn to read and write, where the first thing we learn is our name.
Research has alos found that a baby's name will be one of the first things it attempts to say, as well as an "anchor" for other language.

Also, if we think about names popular in the eighties, such as Michael and Jason, we are aware of the time they grew up and possibly what they may be like - such is the nature of stereotypes.

Finally, what has been mentioned before about the psychological damage has a few truths in it. The infamous Lizzie Borden who (most people think) killed her father and step mother violently was often mocked for her name, and some people say this is one reason why she was so psychologically isolated. Elizabeth Borden sounds fine. But her middle name? Andrew.

Answer 3

I dont believe it does, because when your born into the world your parents are unaware of the character you will have, most parents generally choose a childs name due to the name having some sort of religious, loving or remembrance of an individual or harmoinc significance. And there are millions of people named after saints/prophets/angels in holy books does it mean there characters are all the same? There are millions of murderers, rapists and abusers their is likely to be one with the same name as you and more if your name is common, would you be willing to believe your character maybe similar to theirs? In all the name only defies (to be unaffected by) the person.

Answer 4

I don't think it definitely decides your character, but it sure seems to have something to do with your personality. When you think of the name Debbie, what pops into your head? Probably about the same as what pops into my head. How about Frank?, Amanda?, Peter?. Try this game with someone sometime and have them describe the person they see when you say a particular name.

Answer 5

Maybe if you really identify with it and don't just take it for granted as what you've been given. Or if you change your name later in life I should think you would definately choose a name that fit your character. I love finding out the names of my ancestors.

Answer 6

Your name decides your fate
Your character is decided by your surroundings, your lifestyle, the place where you live, the opportunities that been given to you

Answer 7

I think your character should decide your name
I didnt name my kids till they were atleast a week old
same with my puppies

Answer 8

I think it has to have an influence. For example, a Tracey probably won't be treated the same as a Penelope or an Isobella. So it's more the way people treat you than the way you are.

Answer 9

"I think your character should decide your name"

sorry, but how does that work out? i hope you don't wait till your kids are 15 to decide whether they are a grumpy or a happy...

Answer 10

I definitely think you grow into your name. It's not the complete making of you but helps.