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What connection is there between perceived popularity of one's first name and tendency to succeed or commit crime?

Asked by Simone_De_Beauvoir (39052points) May 2nd, 2010

I just read this study showing that male teens (regardless of race) tend to commit crimes more if their first names are ‘odd’ or not given as often. I have a bunch of problems with this study and some of the further conclusions made when linking these kids to single parent homes and low income areas, but I’ll let you guys pick it apart yourselves. What others things have you heard having to do with first names and have you, yourself, served as an example of any of it? Do you think you have a unique name, a name not often used, and do you think you were treated differently and did you feel more likely to act out as a teen? We live here in Brooklyn and really, everyone’s names are unique given the many cultures but should I be worried that my sons with their ‘different’ names will end up criminals? Okay, I don’t really believe that whatsoever – I think their unique names will be an asset – besides, I don’t intend to raise children that are so impressionable as to be affected by how others perceive their name, of all things, and to find an answer in crime. Still, what’s up with all of these studies?

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