Everyone who has seen Superbad remembers when Jonah Hill’s character exclaims to his friend McLovin “Why don’t you just pick a common name like a normal person? Muhammed is the most commonly used name on Earth. Read a book for once!”
The most popular baby names for 2011 followed this advice; they were, in general, not too out of the ordinary in the way that they have been in recent years. However, amongst the sea of Emilys and Jacks there were some clear outsiders. For example power couple Beyonce and Jay-Z’s child is named is Blue Ivy. On top of this, the duo is planning to copyright their daughter’s name.
This may not come as a shock to those who pay attention to the names some celebrities have given their children –the names Hopper, Petal Blossom Rainbow, Sage Moonblood, Bluebell Madonna, Pixie, Pilot Inspektor, Moxie Crimefighter, and Moon Unit all find a place on this list. While they sound more appropriate as the names of alternative rock bands, these are really the names of children. The question is: is naming a baby a random event or will it impact their lives?
What parents don’t realize is that their children will actually have to grow up and go through life with the name Pilot Inspektor, as actor Jason Lee’s child is forced to now. A name might sound cute for a baby, but what toddler is going to share their toys with chef Jamie Oliver’s Petal Blossom Rainbow? What employer will take you seriously when you apply for a job as Penn Jillete’s daughter Moxie Crimefighter?
Although the babies don’t have an input on their future lifelong tag parents should act like they do because the children will carry it their whole life. Some believe celebrity parents should consider their child’s life before using them as a way to keep the spotlight on themselves. But will a name actually impact the success of a person’s life?
Older studies have shown that children with odd names did worse in school, were unpopular, and more likely to flunk out. However, according to recent studies a name does not affect the outcome of a person’s life. Fifty eight percent of parents said that the name of their child will contribute to his or her success. According to Babycenter.com, 55 percent of parents believed that boys’ names should “convey strength, followed by individuality” and girls names should reflect “femininity, individuality, and kindness.”
But, names are not as significant as one may think, says psychologist Dr. Martin Ford. “Add a picture, and the impact of the name recedes. Add information about personality, motivation and ability, and the impact of the name shrinks to minimal significance.”
Additionally, the popular book Freakonomics further dispels this name theory with a historical example. It recounts the story of New York City father Robert Lane naming his son Winner in 1958. His next son, consequentially, was named Loser. Loser got a scholarship to prep school, graduated from Lafayette, joined the NYPD, made detective and eventually sergeant. Winner on the other hand has over 30 arrests for burglary, domestic violence, trespassing, resisting arrest, and other disturbances.
Although names have trends as years go by and may have correlation with the parents’ socioeconomic standing, they do not predetermine success. Your name won’t make you a loser if you can make yourself a winner.