Do people's names affect your perception of them?

[crispini]

I have recently met two people named "Sean" in a close space of time; they are in the same field, and I find myself unfairly attributing the negative attributes of one to the other as well, although I don't know the second that well and it's completely wrong of me to do so. I have to consciously try not to do this.

Does anyone else do this? Does it matter if you know someone currently with that name vs. long ago?

[HEyHEY]

1. All the time - for instance

I am always leary of girls named, "Brittany," or guys named, "Connor"

[jpgray]

4. Yeah--all the guys I know named "Isaac" are thin and nerdy

Not sure what that means

[GirlinContempt]

21. same here

edit

oops capslock

[ceile]

2. Frequently, I admit it.

Just growing up in a wealthy Houston suburb is enough to prejudice you against a lot of things, but in particular, girls named "Megan". It was a popular name when I was growing up and one "Megan" ruined all other "Megan"s for me.

[Left Is Write]

3. Not really, though I suppose I may have subconscious prejudice...

against people who share the names of people who left a negative impression on me some time in the past.

[Midlodemocrat]

5. That's what I was going to say.

[Hugin]

6. My guess is you won't be friendly with any Dubyas any time soon?

Me either... *yick*

[Left Is Write]

8. Yeah, if you're name is Dubya, I'll probably shudder.

George, however, is a name redeemed by George Clooney.

[crispini]

14. Huh?

In other words, you don't like people who gossip about you? Did I unpack that correctly?

[Left Is Write]

16. No.

I said I may subconsciously transfer negative feelings I have about someone to someone else with the same name.


Edited to add I see where you might have misinterpreted: I said "left a negative impression ON me" not "left a negative impression OF me."

[ZombieNixon]

7. Some names, yes.

I automatically start out disliking guys named "Carl." And that's only with a C, not a K (ironic considering Rove). That's one of the things I like about DU, because the anonymity allows me to avoid judging people based on their names.

So, DU guys, if your name's Carl, I'm sorry, but don't tell me, and I still like you. :)

[Kerrytravelers]

22. I know a Carl here at DU.

He's really cool, I swear it!

[ZombieNixon]

29. I'm sure he is.

And I don't want to have a negative impression of him. ;)

[Kerrytravelers]

30. I won't tell you who!

And may a ton of bricks fall on me if I break my secret!

[mdmc]

9. yes

[rug]

10. Not at all, bacongirl.

[crispini]

15. LOL, that's a new one.

I usually get "crackers" or "cereal."

Bacon is better! :9

[huskerlaw]

11. Yup

my initial reaction to some names is intensely negative. In fact, Sean/Shawn is one of them! Also little kids named Jacob.

It's just an initial reaction thing though, the person can fairly easily convince me otherwise.

[Robbie Michaels]

12. Yeah

But I feel sorry for them. Remember that one poor guy here in America whose name is Saddam Hussein?

[WritingIsMyReligion]

13. Actually--I guess they DO.

For instance, one of my favorite people is named "Elizabeth," so I'm inclined to look on other "Elizabeth"s favorably.

;)

:hi:

[swag]

17. Only Prag's.

[Shine]

18. Sometimes....it depends.

since I've never met anybody with the same name as me, however, I feel a greater sense of responsibility to make sure they have a positive association with it. LOL.

Kidding.

but seriously, I've never met anybody with the same first name as me....and I'm 42. :D

[Zing Zing Zingbah]

19. No....

I don't think a name affects what I think about someone. I judge people based on their behavior.

[trof]

20. Yes. I tend not to like Dons and Julians.

Maybe it wasn't the name.
Could have been the personality.
Just never met a Don or Julian that I liked.
:shrug:

[Kerrytravelers]

23. Something about Angela and Erin.

I actually quite like the names, but the people they are associated with for me? :puke:

However, I don't associate other Angelas and Erins with these particular people... but I certainly can't name my kids Angela and Erin.

[Arugula Latte]

24. This isn't exactly on topic, but today I read an article

and it mentioned that the kids in a family were named "Remington" and "Heaven." :puke: If there are two names designed to give me a worse impression of the family, I don't want to hear them ... x(

[undeterred]

25. River Phoenix was the coolest name I ever heard

and it was his real name. I liked him before I knew I liked him. So sad that he died young.

[miss_american_pie]

26. Yes

There was a name my husband suggested or our second son that I couldn't even consider because it was the name of a bully I went to elementary school with.

[Xipe Totec]

27. My wife refused to consider the name Graciela,

for our first born girl. I had a friend (not a girlfriend) by that name before I met my wife.

Since we had all boys, the point is moot, but not the jealousy the name inspired.

And it is such a lovely name; it means "full of grace".

[miss_american_pie]

28. That is a pretty name

Yeah, there wouldn't have even been a discussion had there been a girl. :)