A study published in the Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization found that first names may carry perceptions beyond gender, such as age, socioeconomic status, or other traits.
We already knew this, at least to a degree.
Brad, for example, is inherently more popular and better looking than Melvin — at least until you see these two people in real life.
Your first name creates a first impression. As a novelist, I always choose the names of my characters carefully, knowing that the first name will have an undeniable meaning to the reader.
But the study demonstrates that first names actually evoke perceptions beyond gender and show that certain names are consistently and significantly perceived as more prosocial, assertive, and positive or negative than other common and timeless first names of the same gender.
Names that consistently cluster near the top in perceived prosocial and work-related traits, with solid assertiveness scores, include (in order):
- Katherine
- Anne
- Victoria
- James
- Thomas
- Daniel
- Emily
- Michael
- Christopher
- Matthew
I’m happy to see my name in the top ten, though I suspect that the positive perception my name conveys is quickly undermined when someone actually meets me.
Names with the lowest pro-social and work-related traits, with weak assertiveness scores, include (in order):
- David
- Natalie
- Ryan
- Nathan
- Joseph
- Julia
- Rebecca
- Rachel
- Samantha
- Sarah
Names that I was surprised to not see on the list:
I’ve always thought Charles (and Charlie) carried strong positive connotations. This isn’t why we named our son Charles (Charlie), but with a last name Dicks, I thought it might help.
I was surprised not to see Kevin at the bottom of the list. No offense if your name is Kevin (because I know some excellent Kevins), but it seems to me like the world is filled with a lot of terrible Kevins.
I thought Karen would appear on the list because of the negative connotation that name has recently assumed, as well as names like Chad, Tiffany, and Brittany, and Kyle — all names that strike me as probable villains in films.
Again, if any of these are your name, I don’t mean to offend. First impressions need not be enduring. I’m sure there are some excellent Melvins in the world who have overcome their parents’ terrible choice and become incredible people beloved by all.
And the name that ranked highest in the study is Katherine, which is a lovely name, but I knew a Katherine who was an absolute monster, and I have been disappointed by at least two other Katherines in my day.
Those Katherines may have started off well thanks to their name, but actions speak louder than words, even if that word is your first name.
