| Can the name you give your baby effect who they | | | | person. Names can instantly transmit a feeling or |
| will become? Throughout time there has been a belief | | | | image to people, and they can create a preconceived |
| that a person's name can actually influence their | | | | notion of who we are to others. Perhaps parents are |
| development and ultimate personality. It certainly | | | | trying to hedge their children's bets by giving them |
| appears that the Romans believed this when you | | | | names that create a good first impression. |
| consider the Roman saying, "Nomen est omen", | | | | Another possible reason that parents work so hard |
| which means "Names are destiny". | | | | at picking a names is that they are trying to implant |
| With this in mind, it doesn't seem unusual that today's | | | | a desired quality in their children, like Hope, Chastity, |
| parents spend so much time and energy deciding | | | | or Harmony. Parents are trying, through the naming |
| what to call their baby. But, is there any scientific | | | | process, to look into the future and determine names |
| backing for these beliefs? Well, the simple answer | | | | that will suit their children's personality, or the |
| seems to be that there is no simple answer! | | | | personality the parent would like them to have. |
| Some studies have indicated that children with less | | | | We will probably never know exactly to what extent |
| desirable names may have lower self-esteem and get | | | | a name affects the developmental process of a child. |
| poorer grades than those with more popular names. | | | | Scientists have all agreed that this is impossible to |
| Other studies have indicated that career success can | | | | study properly using scientific procedure. However, it |
| be based on how well a person's name matches their | | | | seems reasonable to assume that your baby will |
| vocation. For example an "Anastasia" would make a | | | | have the name you choose for him or her for a |
| better ballerina than a "Bertha". And a "Hank" would | | | | lifetime. And there doesn't seem to be any doubt |
| be a better mechanic than a "Percy". | | | | that a name can help to support self-esteem and it is |
| This being said, there seems to be as much research | | | | something that you want your child to take pride in. |
| that states that a name is unlikely to be a significant | | | | All in all, picking the "perfect name" for your baby can |
| factor in most children's development. And there are | | | | seem like a daunting challenge and a huge |
| myriads of examples of adults with unusual names | | | | responsibility. However, the most important thing to |
| who have been incredibly successful-how about Tiger | | | | remember is that helping your baby grow up with |
| and Elvis for example? Children with unusual names | | | | confidence and a good self image will get them |
| often rise to the occasion and revel in their | | | | through life successfully-- no matter what their name |
| uniqueness. | | | | is. And the greatest truth about names is probably |
| So why do we think that the name we give our child | | | | found in the saying, "A name does not make the |
| is so important? Perhaps it's because a name often | | | | person; but rather, the person makes the name. |
| effects the first impression that someone has of a | | | | |