Unpopular Boys Names May Lead to Criminal Activity

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

30 Jan 2009 12:19 PM

Two researchers in my own home state of Pennsylvania have found that there is more to a baby name than you might think. The two researchers, David E. Kalist and Daniel Y. Lee conducted a study at Shippensburg University that took a look at common and uncommon boys names and found a link between uncommon names and breaking the law.

First, they compiled a list of names of boys that they called juvenile delinquents as well as boys in the standard population. They then ranked these names based on popularity. So a name such as Michael, for example, would have a high rank, while a name like Ernest would score a low ranking.

Their findings show that regardless of race, the boys with the least popular names are the most likely to engage in criminal activity. They believe that these unpopular names may be associated with other factors that increase the likelihood of criminal activity, such as a disadvantaged home environment. They also sited low socio-economic status and single parent households.

So does that mean not that the less popular name influences criminal activity, or that disadvantaged kids are more likely to be given unpopular names?

Another reason for the results given by the researchers are that kids who do not like their names may act out because of it.

While the study is interesting, I'm not sure that I agree with the conclusions, especially the last one, and I would hesitate to believe that simply giving a child a "popular" name ensures that they will not commit a crime. Many people I know who did not like their names elected to either change them or adopt a nickname, rather than going out to hijack a car.

Names also go in and out of fashion. Mary, for example, used to be number one, but is now not very popular. In my son's class, the only kid who has gotten suspended this year has a very popular name.

What do you think? Did you name your son a popular or unpopular name?

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog, caring for little ones in the Baby Blog and now relationships in the Marriage Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here or subscribe to the blog using the subscription box on the right.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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