We’ve all heard a name we found strange, unique, or unpleasant—that’s simply a fact of life. Unfortunately, another fact of life is that many names are unfairly discriminated against, and this has real world implications. Names can spark bias, teasing, and even systemic discrimination.

We spoke with Dr. Iman Nick to learn more. Dr. Nick is an American sociolinguist and past president of the American Name Society; she holds advanced degrees in linguistics and psychology, has taught internationally, and serves as Editor-in-Chief of NAMES, a leading journal on onomastic research. Let’s dive into how name discrimination works, where it shows up, and how it impacts everyone from children to adults. 

Prejudice vs. Discrimination: Understanding the Difference

First, it’s important to understand the difference between prejudice and discrimination. While many people use these terms interchangeably, they’re actually quite different.

“When you have a prejudice against something,” says Dr. Nick, “it means that you have an attitude. It’s a personal bias. It could be shared by others, and it’s usually based on your belief system.”

On the other hand, according to Dr. Nick, “Discrimination is when you actually take an action, when you do something on the basis of a belief system or a prejudice you have.” In other words, it’s the action you take or reaction you have after “pre-judging” a name.

How Name-Based Bias Works

We all have associations attached to names, whether positive (like the name of your best friend) or negative (the name of your worst boss). While many associations are based on personal experience, others are related to existing prejudices about race, gender, or nationality. 

It’s important to remember that the person’s name is not the problem. Instead, it’s up to each of us to be mindful of our biases and stereotypes, then take steps to correct them. 

What the Research Shows About Name Discrimination

Because everyone has a name, researchers have been able to study name-based prejudice and discrimination for decades, giving us plenty of data about its impact. While most people don’t readily admit having a bias against certain names, studies reveal a strong pattern.

One of the most common places name discrimination shows up is the job application process. We’ve all had the experience of sending in a resume or filling out a job application, and our name is always front and center. Studies have found that names associated with certain groups will be treated differently. For example, when companies receive identical resumes, one with a stereotypically “white” or “male” name and one with a “Black-sounding” or “feminine” name, the white or male version typically gets a call back  while the other hears nothing or is told the role was filled.

The same happens with housing: applicants with minority-associated names may be told a rental is unavailable or receive no response at all. 

In education, we see the same pattern. Identical essays are graded differently, with papers labeled with white or male names receiving a higher grade than those labeled with names associated with minorities. 

Coping with Name-Based Discrimination

People handle this discrimination and prejudice in different ways. Some choose to choose names that are more associated with Anglo-European cultures, basically “Americanizing” their names. They might use their initials, middle names, or different pronunciations. Others choose to use an entirely different name altogether.

Unfortunately, this might get a resume or housing application considered, but the bias still exists; while using initials to obscure your gender may get you in the door, if you work in a sexist environment, you’ll still encounter challenges. Plus, a name change puts the burden on the individual instead of on those who would discriminate. That’s why some people choose to wear their name proudly and avoid making any changes.

The Impact of Name Discrimination 

There are several repercussions of name-based discrimination. For adults, it can lead to a difficulty accessing employment, housing, or fair treatment in education. 

Children may also experience unfair treatment in educational settings, but can also have even farther reaching impacts. While adults might be able to brush off snide comments, children who are teased or bullied for their names see a negative impact on their long-term self esteem, success in relationships, and identity formation. This type of bullying has been linked to mental health struggles over time. 

How Should We Handle Name Prejudice?

This doesn’t mean parents should avoid giving their children unique or cultural names. The burden should fall on society to address widespread prejudices, rather than on individuals to “fit in.” 

Dr. Nick recommends that a more effective approach is for adults to actively discourage and call out name-based bullying. This requires teaching children to respect others’ names and fostering communication so kids feel safe talking about prejudice and bullying they might experience. Treat name calling as the serious issue it is, not just a form of “kids will be kids” good-natured ribbing. 

“When we talk about name-based discrimination or prejudice,” says Nick, “it’s important to know that people discriminate against names not because of the names themselves, but because of [the person’s] own prejudices.That puts the onus of responsibility not on the person who carries the name, but on the person who holds the prejudice and is displaying discriminatory behavior.”

Teachers should ask the child how to pronounce their name instead of butchering it on the first day of class, leading to laughter and ridicule. If someone introduces themselves with a name you’ve never heard, ask them how to spell it and make a point to remember the pronunciation the next time you speak with them. If you have a name that isn’t obvious in its pronunciation, maybe put the pronunciation in parens in your email signature.

Sincerely,
Hannelore Smith
HAN (like Solo) neh-lore

Jolyon Jones
(pronounced like Julian with an O)

We all have a name, and for most of us, our names are tied deeply to our identity. But even though—or because—everyone has one, a name can often be a target for bullying, teasing, or prejudice. The impact of this can be long lasting, but that doesn’t mean anyone should change their name. Instead, we can work to change our attitudes by keeping an open mind, challenging prejudice, and respecting everyone’s name and unique identity.

Listen to our full podcast episode here with Dr. Iman Nick: