Do you think names shape our personality? To what degree?

Question

Becca, i asked this question because there are some cultures that believe a child's personality is shaped by name. Giving them 'good' name will hopefully turn them into a good individual.

Answer 1

Interesting question. Begs the question of "cause and effect". I mean, if your name is Tammy are you destined to work in a medical office (I swear every medical assistant I meet is named Tammy!). If your name is goofy, are you destined to do something rank and file? I put a lot of thought into my son's name, because I didn't want anything to outrageous but also not too common.

Answer 2

I'll probably lose my Black Woman Card for this one but I have to agree that names do . . . to a professional degree. Unfortunately, if you look at the rosters of major corporations of the individuals in executive positions - none of them have names like: Shaunquisha, LaKavaykia, Kroshunda or Trayquania. I will not call them "ghetto" which I abhor but rather refer to them as creative. It is unfortunate that the more creative the name - the less are the chances of attaining a higher degree of professional success. It is a terrible reality but studies have proven conglomerates are less likely to call a Raquwanetta back for an interview then they are a Raquel (despite the qualifications). So, to answer your question . . .Yes, on a professional level (which can mudslide into a whole trail mix of other issues).

Answer 3

Yes, it has been proven that our names help shape us as we grow up. I think this is mostly because of how others treat us, based on our names.

For example, someone called Emma, Patsy or Missy growing up will probably be treated like a sweet, little feminine thing, and will tend to act that way. She may be more likely to be passive and needing the protection and approval of others.

Someone with a strong name, like Meredith or Katherine, will be seen as strong and capable, and be encouraged to be independent and take care of herself. Because she's treated that way, she's more likely to act that way.

And think about women in the workforce. How serious would you take a CEO named "Maggie"? Or "Patty"? Women are better off using their full names like Margaret or Patricia.

This may be hard to believe, but it is the way society reacts to certain names. It has been studied and proven by psychologists.

Answer 4

I have this weird theory that the syllables of names can help shape personality's...

A single syllable name, like say for instance: "Keith" will require the child to pay attention immediately to vowel in the middle and would most likely produce a shrewd child who pays careful attention to even the smallest of details...much like the volume of the name.

As syllables expand you go from less of a cerebral personality to more of a kind dramatic one...like Shenegua...or King Rhamatuseinan the 3rd...kids with these names would probably grow in a further direction up their own a sses....but the point is, maybe its possible. I dunno. just a theory.

Answer 5

Yes, you can give a child a name that will cause him to be bullied. Names like Horace, Gertrude or Oscar would be cruel. Also unusual spelling causes problems because the child has to correct the spelling all the time. Every form would be a problem. Give a child a name that will look good on a college or job application.

Answer 6

I will prob. b the only 1 to say yes but here it goes. This is a question my husband and i have joked about for years. Names can be mispronounced, shortened, made fun of, called a girls/boys name, spelled one way and pronounced another . We have seriously said that we would never have named our son M*** if we had of known his personality. I can't explain it but we do believe it.

Answer 7

More important things in life are going to shape our personality - loves, losses, up & downs not our names

Answer 8

I'm not sure if they shape our personalities but I believe in giving your child a good name that means something good. For instance I would not name my child Marah because in Hebrew Marah means bitter. I would however name my child Aylsa which in Hebrew means consecrated to God

Answer 9

I think names affect our personality to a certain extent as we are using them to identify ourselves in society. For example, names that are very common makes a person easy to forget. A unique name that is easy to remember increases your chances to get picked on. All these interaction does affect us but also depends on the user's character to use the name as they deem fit.

Answer 10

I went with the traditional biblical names, Jeremiah and Joshua, the middle names are where I got stuck....it's hard to pick a name for someone else, even your child.
It's pressure, good luck.