What’s in name? Well, apparently, our general happiness. Psychologists say that what we are called has a direct connection with our happiness.
Those called Judy and Joshua are the happiest, while Lynn or Ben is likely to be the unhappiest, according to research. Psychologist Dr David Holmes found that this can cause the association(联想) that others make with the name. Hearing the name Judy may make them think of actress Judi Dench or TV presenter Judy Finnigan, and people who are considered good-natured and happy. On the other hand, people think Paulines are unhappy because of the character Pauline Fowler from the TV programme East Enders. The research claims that this association influences the person with the name and so their personality is shaped to fit in. Dr David Holmes said, “This also has some relation with the original meaning of the name, for example, the original meaning of Judy is ‘praised’.”
Certain names also work well in certain aspects of life. In the workplace Richard and Judy are the happiest, while those called Ruth and Carly are the happiest in relationships. At the other end of the scale the unhappiest workers are Stuart and Liz, with the unhappiest in relationships being Frank and Harriet.
Dr Holmes said, “The relation we have with certain names, particularly important namesakes (同名者), also shapes how we see ourselves and so may have an effect on our confidence. Names are like product brands in having a powerful effect on attitudes and should therefore be chosen with care.”
“Other names are connected with being brave, outgoing or serious. Therefore, many celebrities change their names to ones which reflect these characteristic. This, in turn, influences parents when they choose names for their babies,” said Dr Holmes, “while names connected with ordinary people are rarely chosen for their babies.”
小题1:What’s the main idea of this passage?
A．How to choose a good name for babies.
B．The relation between names and happiness.
C．How to have a name connected with celebrities.
D．The relation between names and success.小题2:According to the passage, which of the following names are better?
A．Joshua and Ben.
B．Pauline and Frank.
C．Richard and Stuart.
D．Ruth and Joshua.小题3:The author may continue the passage with _________.
A．names and product brands
B．famous people’s names
C．names and personality
D．parents’ choices of baby names小题4:Which of the following is connected with names according to the passage?
A．Personality and self-confidence.
B．Self-confidence and position.
C．Position and characteristic.
D．Personality and appearance.
