What's in a name?

Question

Do you think that changing ones first and last name can change their fortune? Would a catchy name look better on a resume? Would introducing yourself as Brad be better than Darryl? Would it be better being known as Chris Smith than to be known as Jerry Thompson?

Give me an example of a name that resonates power, authority and intrigue?

Answer 1

There is alot to be said of a name. Just about every product, service and company uses "certain" names to identify themselves with.

Here in the US, we have people from the world over taking up permanent residence. Like said earlier, actors and sales-people shorten and sweeten their names to roll off the tongue easier, pronounce easier, spell easier, etc.

Many times people choose a name to identify their business eg. Linda Lovelace. Yes, it could change ones fortune, but would happen if everybody was know by the same name?

Answer 2

Stu Pidd
Ben Tweener
Juana Dick
Ima Boer
Jack Meoff
Eileen Dover
Jock Strapp
Abner Mull
Cat Furr
Rex Carr
Lon Munch
Pe Nguyen (But then, a lot of Asian-language names sound funny in English)
Hugh Jass, of course
Mike Hunt
Milo Balzac
Helen Bed

I could do this all day--but the point is that these people probably think of changing their name every day, CERTAIN that it would change their fortune.

Somewhere, in the good ol' U. S. of A, there is a native-born apple pie American named Saddam Hussein. Wanna bet he thought of changing it? And Adolf Hitler, the Chicago barber, back in, say, 1942?

Clearly, in these cases you can see the change in fortune a name change would produce. But there've been a few studies on the 'value of names', and some guy will post you the links. It won't be me.

I'm Skumpf Sklub, and I'm used to it now. I had a really strange name before.

Answer 3

Based on the experience of a whole lot of actors - yes.

One of the first things is to see if your name is taken. In Actor's Equity and SAG, for instance, there can only be one person with a given name. So even if you want to use your own name, you might find it has already been taken.

Some people pick a name that begins with A, so they will get listed first when cast members are listed alphabetically - or called first, if a group auditioning is called by last name.

Some pick a name that sounds ethnic - or that doesn't. Some create a name that sounds like something else. Or that they think has a clever combination. Something that is memorable never hurts.

Of course, if you're not a great actor, changing your name won't change that.

Answer 4

Depends. I doubt being Christ Smith would make much of a difference over Jerry Thompson, in the broad scheme of things. BUt it could have an influence on your career. For instance, (complete fabrication) John King as opposed to Mohammad Ahtep, or something.
But as Shakespeare put it, "A rose, by any other name, would smell as sweet." It's only due to the responses other humans have, with their prejudices.

Answer 5

1.If you just ask whether id hire Chris Smith or Jerry Thompson, id definitely go with Chris because i have ONLY their names to base my judgement on.This, in real life, never happens and the more information i gather (like from their resumes) the less i depend on their names to make my decision.

2.If id known and liked a Jerry and hated a Chris, id hire Jerry Thompson.

So, id say Chris doesnt have as much of an advantage over Jerry as youd imagine.

Answer 6

yes it changes everything...which way? never know. There was Abram sufferer who become Abraham father of nations. God announced that Abram is no more but there is Abraham..Jesus was not Christ at the beginning, he was Jesus of Nazareth.

Answer 7

It's not your name, it's your drive and talent. Ask Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.