[name_f]Do[/name_f] you think there is such a thing as professional and unprofessional names that could influence a university or a potential boss to make a decision one way or the other. Please give an explanation and maybe even give an example of what a professional and unprofessional name would be.
Thanks berries!
Yes, I think it exists. A company would rather have a [name_f]Mary[/name_f] as a CEO rather than a Mykynzy since the latter looks uneducated and “trashy”. Kreeaytiv spellings as well as a very childish name will often have you overlooked in the work force. So an Alysabith or [name_f]Nevaeh[/name_f] will be denied in favor of a [name_f]Madeleine[/name_f] or [name_f]Claire[/name_f]
I second what silvercandles said.
In my opinion, rather than nicknames as first names, it’s creative spellings that look unprofessional. I don’t know anyone with a nickname first name that has been disadvantaged in the job market, however, it’s often kids who have creative spellings that are often targeted. I love nature names, but I think I’d opt for them to be middle names instead. And when I say that, I don’t mean [name_f]Hazel[/name_f] or [name_u]Linden[/name_u], I mean [name_u]Harbor[/name_u] etc. But yeah, I think it can also depend on the environment you come from, and the culture. And also don’t believe this is a typical issue everywhere either, some business may be more biased than others.
Maybe it’s naive, but I truly think a qualified Mykynzy would get preference over a less qualified [name_f]Mary[/name_f] at most companies. I suppose if there’s a name nerd in charge or hiring or promotion in might be taken into consideration, but I think in most instances it wouldn’t be.
I’ve had experience working in a pretty conservative industry, and I’ve seen some e-mails signed with some pretty outlandish names.
The idea that someone might get passed for a job or a promotion because of a choice their parents made and not because of their own merits it pretty depressing.
I think qualifications and experience trump names in terms of employment, you don’t always have to go by your fullname on/at resumes/email/work if you feel your firstname won’t get you though the door. But I work in admin and have many employees with outlandish/misspelled names, the person who trained me was name [name_m]Rayman[/name_m].
[name_f]Mary[/name_f]/[name_f]Sarah[/name_f] won’t be better at their job just because their name is more conservative than [name_f]Nevaeh[/name_f] and McKenzley.
Honestly, as much as I detest misspelled, trendy names, I don’t think it’s going to matter that much. [name_m]How[/name_m] much if the population is actually going to be CEO material? I’ve worked with people with all kinds of crazy names.
I think a name will absolutely impact the perceived professionalism of someone. Names that have creative spellings look trashy [name_f]IMO[/name_f] and will have a negative impact on that person. I also think there are certain nickname-type names that sound like names for children and don’t age well. I think those names will impact the perceived maturity of the person in an interview scenario. Examples: [name_f]Emmy[/name_f], [name_u]Teddy[/name_u], [name_f]Ella[/name_f], [name_f]Lola[/name_f], [name_f]Gracie[/name_f], [name_m]Tucker[/name_m], [name_f]Bella[/name_f], [name_f]Daisy[/name_f], [name_u]Toby[/name_u], [name_f]Lacey[/name_f], [name_f]Poppy[/name_f].
It’s not that someone can’t surpass those stereotypes with great qualifications, a stellar interview, etc. But I think it is a ding against you and does impact people’s perceptions (even if it’s implicitly).
I know there are studies which actually proved this theory, so I am afraid there is some truth in it. Especially in a highly competitive job market where recruiters will be able to choose [name_f]Marys[/name_f] and Susans galore, they can easily toss Mykynzy even though she might be just as qualified as [name_f]Mary[/name_f].
I think classic names or old names such as [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f], [name_f]Catherine[/name_f], [name_f]Juno[/name_f], [name_u]James[/name_u], [name_m]Theodore[/name_m], and [name_m]Matthew[/name_m] are perceived as more professional versus an invented name or word name.
Yes, some names are unprofessional. I agree with those above regarding the creatively spelled names. I’ll also add names that aren’t really names. For example, Firefly, Intelligence, [name_f]Princess[/name_f], etc.
I also should add that I am not saying that someone with a creative/alternative is unqualified. But the names can LOOK unprofessional and I think that’s the issue really (Sorry I can’t italicized on my phone.)