by Elaina Fox, J1 Writer

One’s name is the first impression they can make when meeting someone new. Studies have shown that how desirable one’s name is now could affect his or her grades in school.

Identical tests were given to teachers to grade and the tests of students with more “desirable names” were given better grades than the tests with students who did not have “desirable names”, according to the Journal of Educational Psychology.

Names can also determine one’s self-image. If a teen likes his or her name, he or she will be more confident.

“I love my name. It is unique and I am proud to have it,” junior Syril Joseph said.

Freshman Haley Cooper agrees; she said her name fits her personality.

Freshmen Christine Nguyen and DaShaun Green disagree.

“I don’t like my name. I would change it to Lily Winter. Christine Nguyen is too long and looks weird in my signature,” Christine said.

“I would change my name to TaShaun Jenkins, like my cartoon’s main character.” DaShaun said.

Ethnicity also can determine what one’s name will be. Some teens like ethnic names, others do not like their name because it is so different.

“I hate my name,” sophomore Sarah Sarwar said. “It is so plain. I would rather have a Pakistani name.”

Some teens like their names, but at the same time they want a name they themselves have chosen.

“I like my name,” freshman Carlito Gordon said. “[However,]I would rather have the name Zeus or Bob. Zeus is more unique.”

Many movie stars have changed their names to be more appealing. Marilyn Monroe, Chuck Norris, Demi Moore, Bruce Willis and Vin Diesel have changed their names to something more popular, unique, and memorable.

However, not all teens are unhappy with the names their parents have given them.

“I love [my name],” junior Dillon Kimes said. “So no, I would not change it, I like it.”