By: Natasha Archary
Research suggests that your first name shapes the way people perceive you and judge your personality. There are stereotypes linked to names which lead people to make an assessment about you even before they get to know you.
Analysis of the research shows that a few popular names universally are associated with particular character traits, temperament and intellectual capacity.
As an example, the name Karen is now commonly used to describe someone who is racist. It’s a trend that started on social media during a racist rant that was captured on video.
Ever since, Karen is now used universally to describe a white woman who is racist.
Chartered Clinical Psychologist and Scientist, Linda Blair, explains why these stereotypes exist.
“One of the ways we deal with information overload, a real problem in today’s world, is to create mental ‘shortcuts’ and relying on name stereotypes is one of them.”
Linda Blair on the stereotypes linked to names
These stereotypes are attached to people based on previous interactions, assumptions or particular qualities that the name bearer exudes.
It could also stem from someone’s dominant personality traits which then pave the way forward to how someone interacts with the person.
In South Africa, there are a few names that are, according to the streets, linked to women and men who are promiscuous, or who have multiple partners.
Women who are named Mbali, Palesa, Lerato, and Sne are said to have the streets calling them every weekend.
On the flip side the men who fall into the same category are:
- Thabang
- Katlego
- Tshepo
- Sifiso
One thing to remember is that people often live up to the meaning of their names, and it’s important to consider names that are positive and have a deep meaning.
The psychology behind naming can be put down to bias and popularity, so because a name sounds cool, that’s what people choose.
These stereotypes were some of the common ones mentioned by listeners on Feel Good with Andy Maqondwana and do not reflect the views of Kaya 959.
Also read: Feel Good: Things you did on school holidays that you don’t want your kid getting up to
