If you or your partner is pregnant or you’re considering starting a family, you’ll no doubt be thinking of names. But before you reach a decision, recent research has shown that certain names could well see your child become a doctor, billionaire, attend the best university or more. Here, My Nametags’ Lars B. Andersen, reveals all. www.mynametags.com
The most successful names for boys
“A child named John is destined for success,” says Lars. “Our research revealed that this name is most common amongst the nation’s billionaires. Johns are also most likely to become company directors and Members of Parliament.”
Looking to raise a sporting champion? Consider Harry or Matthew. “Men with these names are most likely to win an Olympic medal for Team GB, but Joes are most likely to tear up the pitch in the Premier League.”
For parents hoping for academic greatness, a little Thomas is most likely to end up at the prestigious University of Oxford, according to the findings.
The most successful names for girls
A daughter with the name Sarah might find herself on a path to a trailblazing career. “We found that women with the name are nearly twice as likely to become doctors,” Lars reveals. “The name Sarah also dominates amongst lawyers and MPs, so parents could be raising a future Prime Minister.”
Parents who want their child to express their creative side might look to the name Kate. “Women with the name Kate have written more of the best-rated contemporary British novels than any other, including Kate Atkinson and Kate Morton.”
When it comes to raising the next generation of the brightest minds, Anna is most likely to get into the University of Oxford, making it the top choice for academic success.
The reasons why
While the study suggests a link between certain names and success, Lars points out that these findings also reflect cultural trends: “Our research is a fascinating look at the names that have become symbols of success in different fields. While a name can’t guarantee a person’s destiny, the ‘successful’ names we see today offer a unique window into the cultural and generational trends that have shaped who rises to the top.”
Baby names that never go out of fashion
My Nametags also analysed 100 years of baby name data in England and Wales, and 50 years in Scotland, to establish which names have consistently appeared in the top 100 charts every year since registered birth records began; as well as their meaning.
The Top 10
- Adam: A well-known Hebrew name, Adam means “son of the red Earth”
- Alexander: A Latin variant of the Greek name Alexandros, meaning “defender of men”
- Andrew: A Greek name meaning “strong and manly”
- Charles: Derived from the Old English word “ceorl,” meaning “free man”
- Daniel: A popular Hebrew name, meaning “God is my judge”
- David: The name David has deep Biblical roots and means “beloved”
- Edward: Derived from the Anglo-Saxons, Edward means “prosperous”
- Elizabeth: Biblical name of Hebrew origin meaning “God is my oath”
- Emma: Inspired by an old Germanic word meaning “whole” or “universal”
- Fraser: Name of Scottish and Norman origin meaning “of the forest men”
