I have a theory that if you have an unusual name, you are more likely to be successful in life. I have no empirical evidence of this, nor do I have any background in statistical research. As an observant layperson, all I know is that the Eccentric Name Theory is overwhelmingly supported and true.
According to my theory, unusual names cultivate the potential for fame and success. While achievement is still possible from behind a label of generic blandness, people whose names do not fit the mold of cultural norms and commonalities are at a significant advantage for success.
This is especially evident in sports. Koji Uehara, Bode Miller and Apollo Ohno are celebrities of athleticism and talent. Would they have been as successful with less exciting names? Probably, but I firmly believe that having an eccentric name plays a significant role in putting people ahead of the curve and predisposed to achievement.
My theory also applies in arenas other than sports. Who knew that Rivers Cuomo would grow up to become the lead singer and guitarist for the band Weezer? His talent may have been recognized early on, but his name reveals an inclination toward fame. According to my theory, the eccentric name inherently put Rivers at an advantage in developing his successful career.
Why is this? Are people who give their children eccentric names more adventurous in overall lifestyle? Are they less afraid to be different, and more inclined to push their children to do something significant in the world? Or, maybe, there is no correlation at all between the types of parents who are more likely to give their children unconventional names and those who are likely to foster success in their kids' activities. Instead, it is possible that people with unusual names are more prone to developing a life as a celebrity simply because the rest of the world is more likely to remember them by their standout names. Either way, it is clear that possessing an interesting name benefits one's possibility to develop renown.
For some, celebrities' eccentric names fit their careers all too well, making their success even more memorable and their names even more recognizable. Usain Bolt, Olympic runner, is the perfect example of this. Bolt? As a runner's name? The fittingness of this label suits the sprinter's career and generates spirit and support around his fame.
Sometimes, people create celebrity personalities for themselves by changing their names to something more memorable. Stage names, pennames and other made-up brandings that label people as anything other than their given name are, by no means, cheating. These people simply strategize the best ways to make others recognize and support them. Dr. Seuss understood this well.
But to all you Sarahs and Michaels out there, fear not! There are plenty of people who rise to the top of their respective fields despite having names that recur on the popular baby name list from 1960 to 2013. You may need to make yourself stand out in other ways, but there is still hope for your career.
The moral of this story is that everyone should take the Eccentric Name Theory into consideration when contemplating names for their children. If you want your kids to go far in life, choose an uncommon name to maximize their potential for success. Take inspiration from Picabo Street, whose parents let her choose her own name as a toddler. She grew up to become a World Cup ski racer. Blue Ivy Carter will certainly make an impact on the world one day, as will North West - if they haven't already.
Eloise Libre is a senior majoring in history. She can be reached at Eloise.Libre@tufts.edu.
