First names

[hyphenate]

Did anyone ever contemplate the influence of first names in a psychological manner?

Seriously, this is something I was thinking about last night.

Female first names of one syllable are often very abrupt. Pat, Ann, Jean, Joan, and such almost sound imperious. But most people with these first names adopt a softer tone, by extending their names to 2 syllables: the perception that is more comforting--Annie, Patty, Jeannie, Joannie--these give a whole different connotation.

Male names of one syllable are also imperious sounding, but it seems people look to short names in men as someone who is in command: Tom, Rod, Rob, John, Jack, Sean, Bill.

Male names of more than one syllable are often looked at as less powerful, while the longer names for women are often looked at as a childhood "thing." The same can also be seen in some male names. Kimberly, Bethany, Natalie, Susan, Henry, Harold, Christopher, Ronald--most adults don't use their given name, opting for a shorter version instead. And they usually go for the one syllable names instead, which, while it makes them seem more powerful, also might be making them sound less friendly.

I don't know about anyone else, but when I think of certain names, I get a glimmer of someone with that name, perhaps based on someone I have already met with that name. It's true it's stereotypical, but I think we all do it: "Jack" brings up a different mental image than "Henry" for example, or Kelly brings up a person a lot different than Elizabeth. Sometimes when we finally meet someone we have conversed with either on the phone or online, we're shocked because our mental image doesn't even come close to the real person!

I could be completely offbase, so don't take what I'm saying as something radical, I just thought about it and noticed some examples that were pertinent. :)

[billyskank]

1. I like my two-syllable name. I think it's a strong name.

If it's good enough for Richard The Lionheart, it's good enough for me.

[wildhorses]

2. yeah --

:loveya:

[billyskank]

3. I like yours too.

:loveya:

[Gormy Cuss]

4. You are right about one thing -- we tend to judge people by those we've known with the same name

until experience proves us wrong. If the kid who picked on you in third grade was named Henry, you may subconsciously think that all Henrys have the potential to be as rotten. If your best friend is named Suzy you'll tend to think that all Suzys are probably nice. It's especially true of unusual names.

The rest of this is my opinion only, but I'm sure there are formal studies out there.

The one vs. two syllable comparison you made I think points to a different tendency, namely making names sounds more friendly by adding a "y" or "ie" diminutive. Formal names are more imposing. Using some of your example names, consider the transition in images when you go from the formal to the least formal nickname:

Patricia Pat Patty
Kimberly Kim Kimmie
Thomas Tom Tommy
Roderick Rod Roddy
Elizabeth Beth Betty

One syllable diminutives sound direct and forceful. Full names sound formal and powerful. It's no surprise that some people make the conscious choice to inform people to use their full formal name. It sets a different tone.

Me, I have a name that doesn't lend itself to diminutives so it's a WYSIWYG name.

:D

[murielm99]

5. I've always thought first names were important.

It isn't just other peoples' perceptions, it is self-perception. It includes how well a name is going to wear. Will someone who is in their fifties still want to use a name that worked for them as a child? Will the person reject their name for a nickname, a middle name, or something else altogether, if the chosen name does not fit them?

I noticed that your list of names included the very traditional. What about the many parents these days who spend a lot of time thinking up names that are out of the ordinary? Are they really doing their children any favors?

I was very careful when I chose my children's names. I did not think only about the name's meaning, but how it sounded with their last name, possible nicknames, how many other people had that name, their initials, other peoples honest reactions to the name, and many things. I thought about the histories of a name. Who names their child Adolph? How would I feel now if I had named my son Karl or George? A name can define a person in ways we never think about when we choose for an infant.

Remember, I am saying this as a person whose real name is Muriel.

[Midlodemocrat]

6. I was also very careful when I chose my childrens' names.

I picked classic names that have variations that they can use as adults, or not.

My own name lends itself to dozens of nicknames, but I've always gone by my full name.

[Eurobabe]

7. I gave my kids 2 syllable names, they were easier to scream

especially the oldest. KRISTEN!!!

:rofl:

[billyskank]

8. And when she's in trouble, is it pronounced

kris-TEN!!! ;)

(When I was in trouble, I was always rich-ARD!!!)

[Eurobabe]

16. Actually there was equal emphasis on the KRIS

then came the dreaded TEN! The second one got away with a name much more difficult to bellow out. LOL

Yeah, I Richard is my Uncle's name and I've heard that abused too: by my grandmother, my Aunt (his wife). I think names that begin with the hard consonants are easy prey. :hi:

[Skittles]

43. you KNOW you're in trouble when the 'rents use your MIDDLE NAME

:scared:

[Kali]

9. what bout the somewhat southern tradition of adding a middle name

Billy Bob, Betty Lou, Johnny Ann etc etc Make you sound like a redneck?

[FloridaJudy]

17. The whole purpose of a middle name

Is to let a child know when his/her mother is really, really angry: "Joshua Thomas Smith! You get in here, right now!"

I suppose a middle name gives a person an option if he/she decides the first name is boring or unpleasant. My middle name is even more common than my first, alas. I've offered to switch with my sister, since she got two exotic ones.

[Kali]

18. ...

:rofl:

I remember that all too well :yoiks:

[SeattleGirl]

10. I used to hate my first name, mostly because of how some of the

kids I went to school with said it: in a very derisive or mocking way.

But I've grown to love my first name. It's not a very common name, which is one of the things I have grown to love about it. It's a two-syllable name, but some of my friends change the "y" at the end of it to an "e" and it becomes a one-syllable name. Some even change the "y" to a "es"; again, it becomes a one-syllable name.

[supernova]

11. I'm not sure

how to take my name sometimes.

Denice not one you hear a lot. I like that about it. And I like the history of it, follower of Dionysius. I also like that you can't cutsey-fy it by adding a "y" or an "ie" on the end. (Though Daddy used to call me "Neecy")

I spell it differently than 99% of Denises. ;-) That's a pain at times. I usually have to correct people. It's rare that they ask me first.

[SeattleGirl]

12. I like that name, and how you spell it.

My MIL spells her name Darline, instead of Darlene. Her sister spells her name Marline, instead of Marlene. And their mother spells her name Alyce, instead of Alice.

Of course, the family teases them (in fun), and calls them DarLINE, MarLINE, and AlYCE.

They always spell their names out to people who don't know them, if their names are going to be written down.

[supernova]

13. Thank you, SeattleGirl

Yes, I have the experience of spelling my name out for people whereever I go, like your relatives. :D

It's really good for getting tables in restuarants. I give them my first name. It's really easy to hear and not be confused with another party. :rofl:

[Uncle Joe]

14. Of course,this may just be the exception to the rule, but I've always thought

any man with the first name of Rush, probably has performance problems.

[mopinko]

15. i like my nickname. it has power.

my momma called me maureen, but i go by mo, and i think it has real punch. especially because people often think i am a guy.

[Oeditpus Rex]

19. I've long wondered why so many women

like to call me David. I haven't gone by it since grammar school because it's too formal — it just isn't me.

:shrug:

[Mojambo]

20. Names matter

And I say this as someone who got stuck with the name "Joe"

Which I've really grown to hate over the years.

Average Joe, Joe Blow, American Joe, Joe Schmo, GI Joe... Hey Joe.

The name "Joe" pretty much stands in for ordinary and unremarkable and I HATE IT.

[suzbaby]

21. I've never felt my name (Susan) was a childhood only name.

If anything, I always felt it was on old name. As if my parents were planning to birth a 65 year old when I was born. No one was named Susan when I was growing up. There were a thousand Megan and Emilys though.


The monosyllabic Sue seems much more child-like to me. Sue is a girl with blonde ringlets. When she grows up she finally gets rid of the nickname and embraces her full name.

That's my take.

:hi:

[Skittles]

22. I'm a Susan

I was known as Sue until I was 23 at which time I decided it sounded like a cheerleader and swtiched to Susan. The only person I ever allowed to call me Susie was my dad. I too feel it is an "old" name now although it was very common when I was young. I think it is a pity because Susan really is a lovely name.

[suzbaby]

23. Thank you for spelling Susie correctly!

:) (It drives me crazy when people spell it with z's and y's)

My family and (some) friends call me Susie; I don't mind it. It feels like my name just as much as Susan. However, I do make sure to use Susan at work and any somewhat formal situation.

It just doesn't feel right to use Susie at work.

[Skittles]

25. OK I HAVE TO ASK

why are you SUZbaby instead of SUSbaby :7

[suzbaby]

28. Hardy Har Har....

Smart ass! :P

I figure it's like when you make words ending in 'y' plural. Change the y to i and add es.

When turning Susie into its shorter cousin "Suz," you drop the s add zzzzzzzzzzz.

[Skittles]

31. OK

fair enough :D

[greatauntoftriplets]

24. I know some wonderful women named Susan....

You are just one of them. It IS a lovely name.

[Skittles]

26. AW

THANK YOU MY SWEET....I think Susan will make a comeback - yes INDEED

[greatauntoftriplets]

27. Other than you....

One is DU's own Susang.

The other is my older sister's best friend...who is also a great friend to me.

The name should INDEED make a comeback. My name (Sheila) is fairly popular because of the popularity of Irish names. Indeed, the triplets' mother shares my name.

[Skittles]

30. I've only known one Sheila besides you (like you a lovely gal)

oddly enough, she is one of the few childhood friends I remember (I was a GI brat and moved constantly)....Sheila is a pretty name!

[greatauntoftriplets]

32. Thanks....

My sister (named Mary) chose my name and then honored me by naming her first daughter after me.

It is a good name. Kathleen follows that. And then Patricia as my confirmation name.

Did you know that I am Irish???

[Skittles]

41. LOL you certainly are!

:thumbsup:

[Dervill Crow]

36. I've known two Sheilas (one spelled her name Sheilah)

and they were both born in the 1950s.

[greatauntoftriplets]

37. Oh Lord....

I was born in 1949.

My niece in 1971. She is the triplets' mother.

[hyphenate]

39. One of the girls I went to high school

was named Shelagh. She had a devil of a time having teachers spell it right.

[Tektonik]

29. I love my two syllable name

Tristan

now only if other people would stop naming their kids with MY beautiful name :(

[Dervill Crow]

35. Ooops. That's my grandson's name.

Sorry! I love your name, too. I didn't realize it was a trendy name and gave my daughter credit for being familiar with Tristan and Isolde.

Darn that girl. x(

[Tektonik]

44. It's alright

at least your daughter had the sense of spelling it correctly instead of naming the boy Tristin, Tristen, Tristian, or some other blasphemous spelling of the name

[jgraz]

33. So you're saying I shouldn't name my child Constant Disappointment?

Just asking...

[Zookeeper]

34. You might want to save that as a nickname...

for their teen years. x(

[jgraz]

38. You've never been around a Sicilian family

Most of the boys have the cutesy names: Johnny, Jimmy, Joey, Paulie, Angie, Vinnie, etc

Most of the girls in my family have relatively dignified first names: Teresa (not Teri), Lisa, Maria, Lena, Florence, Rosa, etc

[Dervill Crow]

40. My daughter just illustrated your point.

My daughter just had a baby girl, and she told me a couple of years ago that if she had a girl she would give her the middle name DeeAnne, after my middle name (Dee) and the other grandma's middle name (Anne). Well, a couple of nights ago she e-mailed me pictures with the baby's name, and her middle name is just Anne! I was devastated. Silly thing to get my feelings hurt over, but my feelings were very hurt. I sulked a bit and then got up my nerve and asked my daughter what changed, and she said that she now has a coworker named Deanne, and she absolutely hates her and hates the name and couldn't name her daughter that.

I sometimes wonder if my personality would be different if my mom had one the argument and my mom would have gotten pick of my first name instead of middle. She wanted to name me Star, but my dad said it sounded like a horse. :rofl:

[hyphenate]

42. My own first name is

Mary. It's not as popular as it used to be, but I hear it's making a comeback. My grandmother and mother were both Marys--nana was Mary Bridget and mom is Mary Ellen--so within the family I became "Marie" to differentiate me from mom especially. I don't like anyone calling Marie other than family, though--it must be Mary. And I usually don't use my middle initial either because mom and I both have the same initial as well.