How your name affects your personality

If a name has an unappealing or unfashionable association, it can impact how others treat the person. Self-confidence and self-perception are also impacted if the person does not like their own name.

A study conducted on how names affect choice of partners in dating apps showed that unfashionable or ‘off-putting’ names were more likely to be rejected.

A German study found that people were less likely to help out a complete stranger if the name was negatively rated in their minds, regardless of it being normal. An otherwise warm and trustworthy person can feel wrecked if there is repeated rejection simply due to their name, and is more likely to commit a crime.

This can be explained by cause and effect: If a person is socially rejected, there is a risk that he or she develops a disagreeable personality, and commits wrongful deeds as a result.

• People with softer, sonorant names like Marla or Samantha (names that flow from the tongue easily) are perceived to be more agreeable and warm.
• Names that sound sharp and abrupt like Eric or Kirk are perceived to have a cold nature.
• Names that are uncommon and rare often have an unusual career like that of a judge or film director.
• An unusual name can shape us into being more creative and open-minded, according to US research.

• If you desire that your child should be popular and well-accepted, you can provide them with a common, recognized name that sounds positive and likeable.
• If you want your child to be unique and outstanding, a distinctive name will act as a constant reminder that the individual is special and has to do something out-of-the-ordinary.