News
27/03/09 - UK’s happiest and unhappiest names revealed
New research released today by smile the internet bank from The Co-operative Bank has revealed that Judy and Joshua are the happiest names in the UK.
UK’s 10 Happiest Names |
|
|---|---|
| Female | Male |
1.Judy
|
1. Joshua
|
2. Stephanie
|
2. Jason
|
3. Linda
|
3. Matthew
|
4. Pam
|
4. Terry
|
5. Pat
|
5. Barry
|
6. Fiona
|
6. Stan
|
7. Paula
|
7. Ian
|
8. Susan
|
8. Craig
|
9. Isobel
|
9. Nigel
|
10. Vicki
|
10. Christopher
|
But there is also good news for those called Stephanie, Linda, Jason, Matthew, Terry and Pam as they feature near the top of Smile’s Happiest Names Report.
However the research also uncovers those names which are not quite so cheerful. According to the study Lynn and Ben are the unhappiest names, with Charlotte, Andrew, Tina and Edward not far behind.
UK’s 10 Unhappiest Names |
|
|---|---|
| Female | Male |
1. Lynn
|
1. Ben
|
2. Charlotte
|
2. Andrew
|
3. Tina
|
3. Edward
|
4. Amy
|
4. Tim
|
5. Tara
|
5. Owen
|
6. Sam
|
6. Bob
|
7. Alex
|
7. Dennis
|
8. Tanya
|
8. Ray
|
9. Jessica
|
9. Alfie
|
10. Olivia
|
10. Jeremy
|
Dr David Holmes, a leading psychologist from Manchester Metropolitan University comments, “We know from our research that names can influence student marks so it follows that they also affect how we treat those so named. The associations we have with certain names, particularly significant namesakes, also shapes how we see ourselves and thus may have an effect on our confidence and assumed role in society. Names are like product brands in having a powerful effect on attitudes and should therefore be chosen with care.”
The findings also reveal that on average, people called Ruth smile the most, at 18 times a day, while those named Mark follow at 14 times a day. At the other end of the spectrum, people named Pauline and Frank smile the least, with Pauline at 7 times a day and Frank at 5 times a day.
Area
|
Happiest Female
|
Happiest Men
|
Unhappiest Female
|
Unhappiest Male
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
Finance
|
Shelia
|
Mohammed
|
Harriet
|
Patrick
|
Social Life
|
Tina
|
Craig
|
Liz
|
Alistair
|
Relationships
|
Carly
|
Richard
|
Harriet
|
Frank
|
Work
|
Judy
|
Richard
|
Liz
|
Stuart
|
Health & Body
|
Chantelle
|
Gordon
|
Penny
|
Alistair
|
The research also highlights that Frank is the only name which tops the list in two areas – unhappiest male in a relationship and least likely to smile. However it is possible that the two could be interrelated, with the lack of smiling associated with Frank, linked in to the discontent they feel with their relationship.
- Ends-
Notes to editors:
ISDN facilities are available for broadcast media interviews.
Research carried out by onepoll.com with a representative sample of over 3,000 adults on behalf of smile during February 2009.
For further information contact:
Alejandra Solis/ Catherine Turner
The Co-operative Financial Services Press Office
Tel: 0161 903 3808
E-mail: alejandra.solis@cfs.coop
