by Sophia Tesch

Created on: February 05, 2009   Last Updated: April 14, 2009

A rose by any other name would still smell as sweet. Yet if its name were vomit would it still be indistinguishable? Can your baby's name affect success?

Names like countless words or labels manufacture an emotional response. Different cultures respond in different ways to specific names. Languages need to be taken into account. A name that is beautiful in one language could mean something derogatory in another. As such, by choosing a name, a word, with negative connotation for a baby's name could affect success by causing a negative impact. Whereas, a baby with a name which is accepted or admired by a culture could lead to the baby's acceptance and success in that culture.

In school, ridicule from other children could cause a child to have self esteem issues. This could lead to fighting and behavioral issues. If the behavioral issues lead to school suspensions this could affect the child's education. On the whole a child feeling the need to defend a name that has negative connotation could cause much undue stress and pain for that child. Whereas a child that is given a name which is accepted as the norm for the group would not have to struggle as much to assimilate into the academic social environment.

Whether or not it is politically correct a name can be a hindrance or benefit when applying for employment. There are predisposed expectations that a baby's name evokes that could affect success. Several high ranking corporate executives and military officers have the name William or Robert. These are names in the American culture which denote power, strength and dependability. Is that true for everyone with this name? Of course not, but the name makes a statement before the person is physically present.

To the contrary, Norma Jean Mortenson, you may know her as Marilyn Monroe or Gordon Sumner also known as Sting. Sometimes for success names are made a little more sexy and sophisticated. Would these individuals have enjoyed the same success had they not changed their names? It is difficult to say. However, their altered names caused them to stand out in a world of entertainment where blending in can mean a career that never was.

Can a baby's name affect success? It can be a very dominant factor. Especially if that name is patterned after a totalitarian dictator or even a savior. It can start a conversation and possible relationship off on a positive note or in an explanation of parental intentions for picking that name.

A name can open doors or keep them closed. As, such it is evident that a name can have long lasting and long reaching effects that a caring parent should carefully consider. A baby's name can most certainly affect success.

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