The Power of Your Name

Did you know that you are likely to buy items that reflect your name?

And that your preferences are sometimes shaped by your name as well?


Name Letter Preference research has been around for over twenty years and is mostly used in the advertising and marketing worlds. The psychological research suggests that due to egocentric and identity driven needs, we often make decisions that reflect our own name. Essentially, the positive associations we have about ourselves spills over into how we evaluate life choices.

So John may likely marry a Jane.

Sally may choose to drive a Subaru.

Carly prefers to drink Coke.

Zachary may be a Zoologist.

Research has shown that Mildreds are over-represented in the town of Milwaukee in the United States, and the name Dennis is over-represented among Dentists.

I guess my preferences don't fall into the fold of this research. I drive a Jeep, and I buy whatever brands are on sale in the store, no name stands out more than others. I am married to a man that doesn't share any associations to my name, and I am a psychologist. There aren't a lot of "D's" in my life. . . oh, wait a minute.

I stand corrected.

I have two "Dell" computers.

And prefer "Dunkin Donut" coffee.

"D'oh!"