What's In a Name?

Ever notice how certain names bring distinct physiques to mind? To me, for example, a Clarence is bound to be fat; a Craig, to be sturdy; an Uma to be willowy; and so on.

In a study recently published in the Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, psychologists at Miami University in Ohio have shown that names do indeed suggest shapes. The next step: explaining why.

Thomas' favorite theory, one that she hopes to test in future experiments, is that deep inside the brain, certain sounds automatically bring certain visual connotations to mind.

"Listen to yourself as you make the sounds, and the way you shape your mouth," she said. "Perhaps 'Bob' is a round-sounding name and 'Tim' is a thin-sounding name."

There's Something About a Name.... [ABC News]