The Malaysian National Registration Department has had to warn parents against giving their children names with negative connotationsWhen a word or object suggests another idea., such as "Evil", or Gen-AlphaGeneration Alpha, term used to describe the generation of people born (or who will be born) between 2010 and 2025 slang, like "Skibidi", following a recent trend linked to social media.

Research suggests that our names can guide us down particular life paths.

For example, studies have shown that people living in the city of St Louis are more likely than average to be called "Louis".

Some believe that people may have a tendency to feel positively about things that resemble their names. But others are not so convinced.

They argue what really matters is what other people think about our names. Research has found when presented with two identical CVs under two different names, one stereotypically White and the other stereotypically Black, employers are 50% more likely to call back the candidates with the White names.

Similar work has found teachers treat children differently depending on their names. So other people's attitudes towards our names can dictate the opportunities we get. 

Do names change your character?

Yes! Studies suggest that our names determine where we go to university, what profession we pick and what friends we make.

No! Our character is determined by our background, which also influences the names our parents choose to call us.

Connotations - When a word or object suggests another idea.

Gen-Alpha - Generation Alpha, term used to describe the generation of people born (or who will be born) between 2010 and 2025