What’s in a name

Today I watched a video and read an article on freakonomics, in particular looking at names given to people. Here are some things that I found interesting:

• The most common white male name is Jake
• African Americans are given more unique names
• A name can dictate how other people perceive you
• Giving people more unique names or common African American names makes it harder for them to get jobs
• If your name is easy to pronounce, people will favour you more
• Uncommon names are associated with juvenile delinquency. They are prone to crime because they are treated different and it is harder for them to form relationships.
• People with common names are more likely to get hired
• People with white names are 50% more likely to get a call back compared to people with the name Jamal and Lakisha.
• If your last name is near the beginning of the alphabet then you could get into a better school and if you last name is the near the end of the alphabet then you are more likely to be a impulse spender.
• People that use their middle initial are thought to be smarter and more competent by other people
• If you have a noble sounding name then you are more likely to have a high-ranking position

Do I believe that the name you are given at birth defines your future?

I don’t think that the name you are given at birth defines your future as long as you are given a normal name. However, if you have a more uniquer name that is hard to pronounce then I think it could potentially affect your future because it means that you are less likely to get a job and also people will treat you differently.

Why was I given my name?

My full name is Jake Leon Goldstein. My parents named me Jake because they think it is a strong sounding name and it goes well with my last name. They thought that in the future if I were working with foreign people it would be easier to pronounce and to remember. Jake means satisfactory. My middle name is from my Mum’s grandfather who was a philanthropist and a chemist and was highly respected by my Mum. Leon is a Greek word that means Lion and is associated with strength. My last name is derived from the Jews living in Germany.