Nominitive determinism is the theory that individuals are shaped by their given names. For example, a person named Dennis might be drawn to a career in dentistry, or a person named Hunter may decide to try their luck in foraging for wild game in the field. In part one of our Nominitive Determinism article series, we defined this theory and explored its origins in psychology and cultural studies.
However, the question of whether or not there’s any scientific merit to the idea that you may be destined by the name given to you by your parents deserves a closer look. In the sections below, we’ll uncover the truth behind this amusing yet elusive phenomenon to provide further insight to those wondering: Is a name ever more than just a name?
How Common is Nominitive Determinism?
Anecdotally, nominative determinism seems to be common enough for it to make its way into our cultural awareness, while being just rare enough for us to find novelty in it. While many individuals note at least one person in their lives that have an uncannily fitting name, because of sheer exposure, the most well-known examples of nominative determinism are of celebrities and politicians, including:
- Usain Bolt: Olympic sprinter, and currently the fastest man alive.
- Amy Freeze: Meteorologist, Fox Weather
- Dr. Stephen Bone: Orthopedic surgeon
- Sue Yoo: Litigation attorney
- Dr. William Head: Neurologist
- Igor Judge: Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales
While research that defines just how common nominative determinism is can be limited, surprisingly, statistics have been conducted to pinpoint its specific occurrence, primarily in the medical field. In 2015, researchers in the UK found that certain surnames were more likely to appear in certain medical practice areas than others, and that these same surnames had some connection to the practice area itself. For example, 1 in 119 pediatric doctors had the names “Boys,” “Gals,” “Child,” or “Kinder,” and 1 in 91 surgeons had the names “Gore,” “Butcher,” “Boyle,” or “Blunt.” Perhaps even more amusing, one could even argue that even the researchers who conducted this study have names that fit the definition of nominative determinism: three medical doctors and a medical student, all with the last name “Limb.”
Why Does Nominative Determinism Happen?
There are three primary theories commonly used to explain the occurrence of nominative determinism, and there is at least some scientific support for each. In part one of our series, we explored the idea of implicit egotism, the theory that individuals are naturally drawn to people, objects, careers, and ideas that resemble themselves, whether consciously or subconsiously. In the context of nominative determinism, a person with the last name “Pen” might feel drawn to writing and eventually pursue fields like journalism or authorship. This influence can also extend to their support network, family or friends who, aware of the name’s association, may encourage or subtly steer them toward this seemingly fitting path.
While implicit egotism is generally the theory embraced by psychology, not every scientist agrees. As we’ve explored, while research has generally shown that certain individuals may be drawn to occupations or professions that align with their own name, this research has been somewhat limited at best and inconclusive in other scenarios. To many who have studied the subject, the simplest explanation is that any supposed example of nominative determinism is purely coincidental.
The final explanation is one that blends these two theories and argues that nominative determinism is a result of a pattern-finding bias. In psychology, this is known as apophenia: our brain’s hardwired tendency to seek patterns and meaning, even where none exists. This might be the most important factor of all. When we meet a cardiologist named Dr. Heart or a lawyer named Justice, we latch onto it and remember it, even if we’ve met hundreds of professionals with unrelated names. Regardless of which explanation we may subscribe to, the bottom line is that our brain is trained to remember examples of nominative determinism, and this makes the occurrence seem more common than it might actually be.
The Connection Between Our Names and Our Roles
It’s tempting to think of our names as random labels, something handed to us without much thought about how they’ll shape our future. But names carry weight: culturally, linguistically, and even emotionally. From an early age, they become part of our identity. We write them on our homework, hear them called aloud in classrooms, and see them printed on diplomas and job applications.
So, is it really a stretch to think that a singular word ascribed to our entire existence from the day we are born can have an influence on our personality, our relationships, or careers? As we’ve learned, science and research seem to at least partially confirm our suspicions. And while no one is arguing that a baby named “Baker” can’t become a firefighter, over time, tiny influences such as personal identity, unconscious preferences, and societal expectations can stack up and create a gentle push in a certain direction. At the end of the day, whether or not your name actually determines who you are at your core, it likely plays a bigger role in your sense of self than you realize.
