It just dawned on me that first names are like brand names. The very mention of them can stimulate feelings and stir impressions and even prejudices. Some of these will come from experience, and some from preconceptions we pick up from the media and other sources.
Who doesn't associate Heathcliffe with a brooding temperment, or think a Dave is going to be more fun than a David? A Cassandra is likely to be percieved as posher than a Sharon, even though the fact may be entirely different.
But the interesting thing to me is how often these preconceptions prove to be right. Since we are generally named before we have developed much of a personality, does this suggest that our very name changes our being as we grow up? Do we begin to conform to what people expect of us, with every note of surprise or perception of our behaviour contributing to the effect?
And, if we are stuck with a brand we don't like, how can we change it - would one posh Sharon be able to change the preconception of Sharons everywhere? Or do you have to resort to the deed poll office and effect a total rebrand?
Certainly food for thought - what does your name say about you? (Despite what people might think, I'm unlikely to get up early!).
With apologies to all the Sharons, Cassandras, Daves, Davids and Heathcliffes out there.
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