Named!

July 25th, 2026| Topic: RaMbLeS | 0

A survey of 2,000 Americans (done online by Talker Research, a market research and PR polling agency) found that 18% (roughly 1 in 5) admit to judging a person based solely on their first name, before any interaction takes place, before a handshake, and before a resume or even a face is scrutinized. Judging a book by its cover.

“Karen” came in first place, drawing far more negative mentions than any other name. “Chad” was a distant second, with “Donald,” “John,” and “Damien” following. (Reasons were not assessed.)

People form impressions of anything, not just names, and for any number of subjective reasons: personal history, cultural associations, political connections, social platform influence, etc.

In terms of feeling connected with their own first names: 42% of Americans did not feel they embodied the spirit of their first names. Older generations report the weakest connection: only 31% of Gen Xers and 29% of Baby Boomers said they identify strongly with their name. Younger respondents fared better, with 44% of Gen Z and 40% of Millennials saying their first name feels like a genuine fit.

On the other hand, Gen Z was the most likely generation to judge by first name (29%; Millennials came second at 21%), and they were the most likely to want to change their own name (32%).

When asked what they’d replace their name with, many reached for the classic end of the spectrum: Jessica was the top choice, followed by Amira, Caroline, Lisa, and Natalie. Others went in a far more creative direction. Believe it or not, there were a lot of unconventional alternatives including: “SirCartier,” “Furnace,” “Sapling,” “Legacy,” “Cipher.” “Purple Shay,” “Indigo,” etc. (No, we don’t know if these folks were serious.)

Stereotyping based on name (or anything else) is not fair, and most people probably know it it is not. Yet 1 in 5 judge anyway.

The Bible offers a wise suggestion. Focus on another’s name ….

I have remembered Your name in the night, Yahweh, and I keep Your law.
Psalm 119:55

And find a haven in God’s name (i.e., in his person).

But may all who seek refuge in You rejoice;
forever may they shout with joy; and You put a cover upon them;
may those who love Your name exult in You.
For You—You bless the righteous one, Yahweh,
with favor like a shield You surround him.
Psalm 5:11–12

For …

… our heart rejoices in Him, for in His holy name we trust.
May Your lovingkindness, Yahweh, be upon us, even as we wait on You.
Psalm 33:21–22

Our focus is on his name.

Some in chariots and some in horses,
but we—in the name of Yahweh, our God, we depend.
They—they bow down and they fall,
but we—we rise and we stand firm.
Psalm 20:7–8

So …

Magnify Yahweh with me, and let us exalt His name together.
Psalm 34:3

The good name of our good God!

With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to You;
I will give thanks to Your name, Yahweh, for it is good.
Psalm 54:6

God himself affirms the value of seeking his name.

“For unto Me he has been devoted, and I will save him;
I will secure him on high because he has known My name.
He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; with him I [will be] in distress;
I will liberate him and I will honor him.”
Psalm 91:14–15

That’s the name to focus upon!

SOURCES (of ideas, numbers, and words): Study Finds; Talker Research