The process of name-giving: A vehicle for transferring parental values and expectations to the child

Previous research has stressed the need to investigate the name-giving process as a way to better understand the meaning of names, and their significance in our society. Evidence suggests a conscious awareness and respect for name images would assist expectant parents in their quest to enhance a child's personal, social and professional development.;The present research utilized Mehrabian's (1990) study as a basis to explore first-name stereotypes. Three questions were investigated: (1) Do recent parents report stereotyped associations to first names? (2) What variables are important influences in parents' decision-making process when they choose a name for their child? (3) Do parents select names which project images consistent with the values and expectations they espouse for their child?;Findings suggest that men and women held distinct stereotypes for both common and uncommon, as well as male and female first names. The only name group which did not produce significant results was fathers' ratings of male, common names. All other name ratings were significant (p ;Results indicate that mothers and fathers report a name's sound (p ;Findings reveal that parents chose names which were not consistent with the values and expectations they held for their child, (p =.7958).;Together these results support a growing body of literature which indicates that the psychological and social implications of names have previously been underestimated. Suggestions for future research include evaluating names in a socio-anthropological context, with attention to differences between cultural, racial, and religious groups.