Not only were names and occupations listed in that census, but ethnicity and education level were included, allowing Pelham to consider two very important control variables. Not everyone is a candidate for nominative determinism though, especially when a person rejects an element of his or her own identity. Pelham found that some demographic groups, including racial minorities and women from cultures where married women adopt their husbands' surnames, were less likely to have a job that matches their surname exactly.
Women who did follow the nominative determinism trend tended to be older, married for a long time or widowed, and they favoured female-dominant professions like cooks. He noted that the large majority of cooks named Cook were women in the US Census data, despite the fact that there were three times as many men in the workforce at that time. Black men were less likely have careers similar to their names, too, suggesting that white men would have held a more favourable implicit self-association, especially during years when ethnic-sounding names were viewed negatively.
So, if our names can drive our career decisions, as Pelham and Limb suggest, what does that say about free will? It makes perfect evolutionary sense. To comment on this story or anything else you have seen on BBC Capital, please head over to our Facebook page or message us on Twitter.
If you liked this story, sign up for the weekly bbc. Do our names push us towards certain jobs? Share using Email. Velasquez 5th April Baker, Barber, Butcher, Painter: why we want to see our own selves reflected in what we do for a living. But is there any evidence to suggest that your name can determine your job? The researchers found that people named Dennis or Denise tend to become dentists at a higher rate than people of other equally popular names.
Paging Dr Payne A UK-based family of doctors, all with the surname Limb, have long wondered whether their name may have influenced their medical careers. Occupational surnames Pelham, undeterred by the criticism, has continued to build his case. Her beautiful long hair will throw you off guard during a conversation. Friend one: wow she is so beautiful Friend two: of course she's a Denise. A matriarch.
I woman of substance that knows how to sweat blood to survive. Easily manipulated due to her good and caring nature. This lady can socialize with anyone. She is the life-line of her family and a protector.
She always has time to listen, and is a shoulder to cry on. Although emotionally confined, she dreams big and enriches herself with whatever resources are available. Always willing to embark on an adventure and push through her boundaries.
This undaunted gal is blind to limits and carries the world bravely on her shoulders. Life does not get her down. She's a homemaker and excels at crafts. A sturdy , headstrong, and unrelenting person. Resourceful at every opportunity and a fighter, Denise never ceases to amaze. Easy to call friend with a heart of pure gold. Earthy materials do not matter to a Denise, kindness and gratitude are her rewards.
This is a peace loving soul who wishes well on all. Keep her close, she's a great companion. If all the world could know a Denise, how perfect life would be. A beautiful woman. Very athletic and flexible.
She had a amazing personality and is very peaceful. She is a great girlfriend.
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