Featuring colorist Ronda Francis

Showing posts with label priya. Show all posts
Showing posts with label priya. Show all posts

Monday, April 30, 2012

Does Your Child's Name Prejudice How They Are Perceived?

My name is Dea.

Although it seems that every rhyme of this name is currently popular, Mia, Gia, Leah, Pia, and even Priya on the Big Bang Theory, when I was a kid no one had a name like mine.

Part of me loooved the name because it was different and kind of exotic sounding compared to the three Lisas in my class and the four Kathys.

But on the other side of the coin I don't think anyone pronounced my name correctly.  Ever.

People asked me what it meant, if it was a nickname, if it was short for Deanna, Deborah, or Deena.  My father-in-law called me Delia, Donna, and Deebrah (rhymes with zebra), but I have never heard him call me Dea--he calls me honey now.  I still don't think he knows my name.

My name is different and I cannot say I was ever considered ordinary--and I do think names can have an affect on the way we are perceived, and possibly the way we think of ourselves.

The dentists where I grew up were Dr. Payne (oh dear) and Dr. Gold (fillings?).

The music teacher in my grammar school was Mr. Musik!

And I'm sure there are times when the name does not represent you at ALL--like Madonna.

Certain names do carry specific connotations.  For instance Katherine is presumed to be more successful and possibly more wealthy than Brianna. And stars seem to corner the market on odd names.  Read about the study here:

http://hotword.dictionary.com/names/

Stars can also influence the popularity of names.

Right now the number one girl's name is Isabella, most certainly after the Twilight series, followed by Emma and Olivia.  Jacob, another Twilight character, is the most popular boys name, followed by Ethan, and the ever-popular Michael.

I have heard some interesting names over the years:  Moon Unit, Pilot Inspector, Dweezle, Apple, Hiawatha, Huckleberry, Minty, and Celery.  And the list goes on and on.

Dea is unusual, but I never thought it was bad.  I wonder how Blue Ivy, North West and Apple will feel about their names in a few years...I would love to ask them.