# Name Stereotypes **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [December 2, 2000, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-stereotypes/43764 "2000-12-02T23:13:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![tatertot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c37758/32.png) [@tatertot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tatertot)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2000, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-stereotypes/43764/1 "2000-12-02T23:13:47Z")
The [Dumb Name](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=48757) thread got me to thinking about how most of us have these images that pop into our heads whenever we hear certain names. For example, when I hear of a Sarah, I picture a classic beauty with dark hair, kind of serious, but good natured. And a Tonya always has to work a little harder to earn my trust because of several bad experiences with sneaky Tonyas back in school. I feel like my own name, Tracy has been a burden as people don’t take me as seriously as they would an Elizabeth or Katherine. But they take me more seriously than they would a Candy or Barbie. So let’s discuss names, stereotypes and how our parents totally screwed us over by giving us doofy names. Suggested hijacks include: Nicknames: pro or con, What goes into giving a child a good name that will serve them well, and of course, :Whine: What do people think of my name? Note: I am sure we are all grown-up enough not to take it badly if somebody does not like our name. And I am very sorry if I’ve offended any Tonya’s out there…perhaps you will be the Tonya to erase the memories of the Evil Tonyas. ---
**Author:** ![tubagirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/b77776/32.png) [@tubagirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tubagirl)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2000, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-stereotypes/43764/2 "2000-12-02T23:34:11Z")
The name Colin always reminds me of a scrawny blond guy with glasses. I always think of cowboys when I hear the name Luke. Everyone else thinks of StarWars. My name is Lisa. I think it is a normal name. I don’t have any idea what a Lisa should look like. I don’t think I look like one. I think I look more like my middle name Christine. ---
**Author:** ![Nacho4Sara](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Nacho4Sara](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nacho4Sara)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2000, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-stereotypes/43764/3 "2000-12-02T23:36:00Z")
> [@](#): > > For example, when I hear of a Sarah, I picture a classic beauty with dark hair, kind of serious, but good natured. Yay! That’s me! Good call, tatertot. I picture Tracy’s as dark-haired, smart, studious. Okay, I picture Carol from Growing Pains. Tracey Gold immortalized you, tatertot, I’m sorry. 🙂 Names like Author, William, James, Matthew and Thomas make me think of studious, smart, dark-haired boys. I picture Mike’s as sporty, physical, handsome guys with lots of chest hair. David’s are beautiful, like a sculpture. Chiseled cheekbones, dark messy hair, pouty lips. Rod’s are rock stars with mullets. Timmy’s, Alan’s, and Niles’s are skinny and wimpy looking. Kind of malnourished, nerdy. I picture Elizabeth’s, Katherine’s, Hannah’s and Madeleine’s as beautiful, voluptuous and classicly elegant. Mary’s, Cathy’s, Susie’s, and Sandy’s are blonde, waifish, and virginal. Bambi’s, Cyndi’s, and Barbie’s are dumb blondes with big boobs. A good name = syllabant, flowing, classy and sleek. Examples: Hannah Elizabeth Montgomery, Katherine Alexandra Williams. I’m a writer, so of course I like poetic names. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Serendipity](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f17d59/32.png) [@Serendipity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Serendipity)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2000, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-stereotypes/43764/4 "2000-12-03T00:06:02Z")
My image of Sarahs fits with tatertot’s description. I always picture Sarah as a sort of noble princess. Shannons are destined to either snobbish or whiny. Or both. Caitlyns are shallow. Caitl_i_ns, on the other hand, are poetic. Charlies are flirty. Bills are the somewhat dorky, but still lovable, older brother types. Julias are goodnatured with long, curly red hair. tubagirl described Colins perfectly. My name is Jessica, and I have no idea what image that conjures up. I couldn’t even tell you if the name Jessica fits who I am. ---
**Author:** ![wolfman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/a8b319/32.png) [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2000, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-stereotypes/43764/5 "2000-12-03T00:13:20Z")
I mentioned this in an earlier thread, But I am a Wesleyist. Every Wesley I have ever known is an unmitigated prick, so when ever I hear about someone named Wesley I hate them. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![ThisYearsGirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/73ab20/32.png) [@ThisYearsGirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThisYearsGirl)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2000, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-stereotypes/43764/6 "2000-12-03T00:20:53Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by tubagirl \* > \*\*The name Colin always reminds me of a scrawny blond guy with glasses. > \*\* That’s a riot! I know a guy named Colin and that’s exactly him! Lesse–Patricks are witty, but goofy and hard to take seriously. Emilys are sluts or flakes (except for these two Emilys I know and love; every other one fits the stereotype). Megans are dark haired and smart. Seths are nice, but they’re geeks about something. Karens are older sisterly. Daniels are. . . I don’t know, but I really love the name Daniel. ---
**Author:** ![Primaflora](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/898d66/32.png) [@Primaflora](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Primaflora)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2000, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-stereotypes/43764/7 "2000-12-03T00:44:21Z")
Nathan, Jason and Troy are all demon little boys. I don’t know what they grow up to be like but as kids they are horrors. ---
**Author:** ![Silly\_Rabbit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e47774/32.png) [@Silly\_Rabbit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silly_Rabbit)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2000, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-stereotypes/43764/8 "2000-12-03T01:04:54Z")
“Alexander Edward” has always been a favorite combination of mine. Handsome, strong and intelligent come to mind. Nick is a name that makes me think of strength and, well…great sex :eek: Isabella is stunningly beautiful… If I told you my name was “Cathryn” shortened to “Katy”, would you conjure up two different images of me? ---
**Author:** ![iampunha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/74df32/32.png) [@iampunha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iampunha)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2000, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-stereotypes/43764/9 "2000-12-03T01:15:32Z")
Katy and variations always surprise me Emily will always hurt me a bit Jessica I am VERY wary of. Ashleys always have some sort of quirk. ---
**Author:** ![Palmyra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/57b2e6/32.png) [@Palmyra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Palmyra)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2000, 1:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-stereotypes/43764/10 "2000-12-03T01:20:39Z")
Patrick has always meant someone more on the reserved side of life… 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Silver\_Fire](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e4f/32.png) [@Silver\_Fire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silver_Fire)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2000, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-stereotypes/43764/11 "2000-12-03T01:23:01Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by tatertot \* > **Suggested hijacks include: :Whine: What do people think of my name?** I’m always up for taking suggestions. 🙂 My name doesn’t match. Sarah Elizabeth. Yuck. Okay, I’m done now. All Kathys are funny little redheads, in my mind. ---
**Author:** ![Helen\_s\_Eidolon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/8edcca/32.png) [@Helen\_s\_Eidolon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Helen_s_Eidolon)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2000, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-stereotypes/43764/12 "2000-12-03T01:32:34Z")
My name is Lauren but my middle name is Pamela. When I told this to a good male friend of mine, he said: “But… But… that’s so slutty!” ---
**Author:** ![iampunha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/74df32/32.png) [@iampunha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iampunha)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2000, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-stereotypes/43764/13 "2000-12-03T01:44:32Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Palmyra \* > \*\*Patrick has always meant someone more on the reserved side of life… 😉 > \*\* What’s so bad about that? I will refrain from comment about the name Elizabeth (mostly because I have no comment:D). Sarahs have always caused me some amount of grief. Not necessarily sadness, but grief all the same. ---
**Author:** ![tubagirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/b77776/32.png) [@tubagirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tubagirl)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2000, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-stereotypes/43764/14 "2000-12-03T03:50:16Z")
Jerry’s are always a lil’ overweight and have big red lips. Jessica’s are one of two things, either sleek and blond, but bubbly in personality. Or they are dark haired with glasses and somewhat studious. Vanessa’s are a bit snobbish and trendy. Trisha is either white trash with ratted out blond hair, or very quite book types (still with blond hair) Justin’s are a little sporty yet very charismatic All I see with Randy’s are red heads or strawberry blonds. I can keep going on… ---
**Author:** ![Birdie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/71e660/32.png) [@Birdie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Birdie)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2000, 4:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-stereotypes/43764/15 "2000-12-03T04:17:22Z")
Nicoles on TV are usually blonde and slutty. 1. I am the only blonde Nicole i know 2. All the Nicoles i know (including myself) are artistic Nikkis are just dreadful. _They_ are the blonde and slutty ones! (i am a Nicki, BTW) **more stereotypes!** Ashleys are the very best! They are dark-haired writers, fun, and good-natured. Saras without an “h” are trendy and ditzy Gabriels are nearly perfect, and quite charming Amandas are self-absorbed and very inconsiderate Emilys are sweet, but a little clueless Lauras are dramatic and old-fashioned Heathers are dramatic and new-fashioned Toms are creative and well-adjusted Anthonys are sexy Marks are childish Claytons are bastards (especially if they go by “Clay”) Bens are sweet and dependable, but Benjamins are a little shifty apologies and \<3 to those who deserve them! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![iampunha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/74df32/32.png) [@iampunha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iampunha)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2000, 4:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-stereotypes/43764/16 "2000-12-03T04:21:40Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by tubagirl \* > **Jessica’s are one of two things, either sleek and blond, but bubbly in personality. Or they are dark haired with glasses and somewhat studious.** You haven’t met the Jessica I knew in grade school . . . Not bubbly, not studious . . . There’s a reason I call her the Bitch From Hell. Carry on. And btw you don’t want apostrophes on those names. Plural, not possessive:) ---
**Author:** ![Silver\_Fire](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e4f/32.png) [@Silver\_Fire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silver_Fire)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2000, 4:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-stereotypes/43764/17 "2000-12-03T04:29:25Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by iampunha \* > \*\*Sarahs have always caused me some amount of grief. Not necessarily sadness, but grief all the same. \*\* Good to see I’ve held up to the name. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Catrandom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/7bcc69/32.png) [@Catrandom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Catrandom)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2000, 4:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-stereotypes/43764/18 "2000-12-03T04:40:18Z")
My RL name is too unusual in the U.S. to have any stereotypes attached to it, so I feel I can typecast the rest of y’all with impunity 🙂 Gene: know-it-all Pam: bubbly and energetic. Scotts are irresponsible, as are Todds Julie: princess type Ron: never grew up Richard: self-centered Bill: puppyish and lovable Tiffany: white trash, especially when spelled in any fanciful way (Tiffney, Tiffani, Tifanee, etc.) Cathy: cheerleader Jessica: Victorian and prim ---
**Author:** ![Serendipity](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f17d59/32.png) [@Serendipity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Serendipity)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2000, 4:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-stereotypes/43764/19 "2000-12-03T04:42:08Z")
> [@](#): > > Jessica I am VERY wary of. > [@](#): > > You haven’t met the Jessica I knew in grade school . . . > > Not bubbly, not studious . . . > > There’s a reason I call her the Bitch From Hell. And here I was, thinking I had somehow offended iampunha in the past. By the way, Patrick conjures up images of someone dashing and devastatingly handsome. There’s this guy that I know who I always want to call Patrick (his name is Stephen) because he’s so gorgeous. Pats, however, are to be avoided at all costs. ---
**Author:** ![Lumpy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lumpy/32/446_2.png) [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2000, 4:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-stereotypes/43764/20 "2000-12-03T04:51:54Z")
Percy is a wimpy little momma’s boy. Gertrude is a tall, skinny gawky woman with knobby knees. Agnes is Getrude’s sister. Usually a old spinster. Ophelia is British and somewhat spacey. Alan is usually a blond. Jim is your standard American ok guy. Bill is like Jim, only more likely to be a country guy. Richard is ok, but Dick is evil. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-stereotypes/43764.md?page=2)