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What's in a Name and Why It Matters
An essay by ELMO. SCOTT WATSON argues names shape personality and fate. Prof George R Stewart Jr of California cites a survey of Christian names from 1870 onward showing many regret their given name, while trends shift with culture. He offers practical advice for parents choosing baby names, stressing distinct initials, avoiding awkward combinations, and balancing fashion with lasting fit.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Shakespeare
Socrates
George R Stewart, Jr
University of California
Professor Stewart
Children
Percival Algernon
Jehn
James
George Irk
Reginald Willoughby Smith
Mary
Maine
California
William
Marys
Profe
Stewart
T. Elizabeth
Elizabeth
Acé Delen
Dorothy
Marie
Katherine
Louise
Ruth
Edn Earl
Ednes
France
Join
Henry
Frederick
Thomas
Harold
aAghur
Francis
Dewey
Manila Bay
United States
Avery
Joan Wil
Smith
Bs Tablonski
Will
Tharless Lindbersh
van Cherlie
Ant
Ritsy
Percys
Algernons
Reginalds
Clarenees
Todas
Lord Fauntleroy
Alberta Susan Spear
Able
Kathleen Guggenheimer
Gretchan Flaherty
Renee Stokes
Seffer
Quigley
Higgins
Barbara
Jeanette
Wiza
Viole
Geair
Lave
Ure
Pias
Fem
Lapnens
Texas
Ima
Ara
Hogg
Remeniber
Tey
Jung Day
Luis Christin
Helen Sure
Helen Bogle
Alurieus Fish