Impressions created by given names

Abstract

Desirability is an important factor in assigning and evaluating names. The Name Connotation Profile (NCP) characterizes name desirability by six factors that are implied by names: Success, Morality, Popularity, Warmth, Cheerfulness, and Masculine-Feminine. Representative findings obtained with the Name Connotation Profile differentiate the connotations between, e.g., nicknames versus given names, conventionally versus unconventionally-spelled names, long versus short names, and men's versus women's names. A number of applications of the Name Connotation Profile are noted.