Social scientists believe a name can influence personality, how we are perceived, and even our physical appearance. But, what about our salary?
Have you ever wondered how employable you would be if you were judged solely on your name? Or, once employed, how much you could earn, depending on your moniker? This concept inspired education and training specialists, theknowledgeacademy.com to investigate the value afforded to the nation’s most popular baby names, by utilising Adzuna’s ‘ValueMyName’ tool.
To create the tool, Adzuna took data from over 500,000 CVs uploaded to ‘ValueMyCV’ and extracted their first name and salary, allowing the company to provide an average (mean) salary for 1,200 first names. Although data for Isla, Ava and Noah could not be found using the Adzuna system, theknowledgeacademy found interesting results.
For the boys, those named Oscar will scoop the largest salary, at £37,786. Swiftly followed by those named George (£37,342) and those with the UK’s number one boys name: Oliver, at £35,536. Unfortunately, those named Jack (£29,738), Jacob (£30,233) and Muhammad (£31,760) will face a considerable pay cut in comparison – yet still fair better than 90% of those featured in the girls list!
For the girls, those named Lily will pocket the most money, at £30,821. Followed by the Isabella’s (28,935) and Ella’s (£28,623.) Unfortunately, those with the UK’s number one girls name: Olivia, will be earning the least in the list – at just £26,011. And only just above Olivia are Jessica (£26,342) and Mia (£26, 981.)
Per research published in the European Journal of Social Psychology, it isn’t simply a first name that can boost your career success, but a middle initial too. The psychologists Wijnand AP Van Tilburg and Eric R Igou found that participants judged strangers with a middle initial as smarter, more eloquent and more qualified than those without.
The study also revealed that those who have more than one initial in their name were perceived to be more accomplished. Explaining why this was the case, the psychologists claimed: “middle-name initials often appear in formal contexts, especially when people refer to intellectual achievements”, so in turn we associate these with success.
However, if you’re a woman, don’t make the mistake of abbreviating your name. A recent study by LinkedIn found that while men who use nicknames – such as Dave or Rob – which tends to increase their employability prospects, it hinders a woman’s chance of getting employed.
The onomastics specialist Dr Frank Nuessel suggests that men use colloquial abbreviations to appear open, friendly and approachable. Whereas female CEO’s rely on their full name to “project a more professional image.”
Joseph Scott, a spokesperson from The Knowledge Academy, comments:
“The idea that a first name, and how it is presented on a job application, can influence your career is interesting. I do believe most jobseekers do not factor in the importance of their name when applying for roles, so it is something to bear in mind.
However, it is also important to pay attention to other factors, such as your written communication skills, your ability to network and liaise with others, and how you present yourself – both online (your digital presence) and in person.
Take time to perfect your pitch and research the company or professional person of interest, you are interested in. It shows you are passionate and committed.”
Image courtesy of https://www.theknowledgeacademy.com/