Is there more to our name than we might initially think?
Slovenko (1980) states that a name identifies, distinguishes, provides control, alleviates anxiety, and is a means of self-expression.
Given that it's one of our most prominent self-identifiers, why would we change it?
There are many reasons, actually.
One reason is to conceal our identity and allow ourselves to blend better. When moving to another country, we might consider changing our unusual or difficult to pronounce name to adapt better.
It might even be a way of regaining control or re-establishing mastery over anxiety. Indicating a new expression of self is a reason probably most prominent in the celebrity area.
And here is a staggering fact - up to one fifth of offender patients change their names. "What's in a name? Reasons for changing names among English high security hospital patients" - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/247501300_What's_in_a_name_Reasons_for_changing_names_among_English_high_security_hospital_patients is a fascinating qualitative study that investigates reasons for name change among serious offender patients.
The authors have approached all patients resident in an English high-security Broadmoor hospital with documented name changes for an interview. One person conducted all semi-structured interviews. The audio transcripts were analysed using QSR.NUD*IST Version4.
The authors recognised two main groups.
Three significant change themes emerged within the group of patients that changed names once or twice: "making or breaking family ties, wanting a fresh start, and difficulties with the name itself."
The second group that changed their names on multiple occasions were more idiosyncratic in their reasons for name changing and choice of name. Their satisfaction with the changes was low.
The authors "conclude that understanding the reasons for name change among people with mental disorders is important for their continuing treatment, as it may indicate internal mental change."
That's really interesting, reminds me of the Shakespeare quote by Iago:
Our names are so indelibly linked to our sense of not merely who we are individually but what that name means in the broader social sphere. It doesn't surprise me that those incarcerated would change their names to try and rid themselves of the baggage that name now carries.
Given the importance of names, I find it strange how the cultural evolution of names hasn't yet brought a greater divergence of choice with regards to names.
Thanks for sharing this article, I look forward to reading it😲