“Zahirah? Where are you from?”
“New York.”
“And your name?”
“It’s Arabic; my father is Muslim.”
“Oh, how… interesting!”
I have lost track of how many times I’ve had this exchange throughout my life. After I share that my name has Arabic roots, I often receive a nod of understanding, as if the person was expecting a deeper story. The frequent question, “Where are you from?” highlights a common assumption: that you can’t have a non-Anglicized name and be from the U.S. Fun fact: I’ve never left the country, despite my “ethnic” name.
When people learn that my father, a Brooklyn native, converted to Islam two decades before I was born, a lightbulb goes off. Apparently, my parents couldn’t have simply liked the name; it must have a significant backstory. Navigating life with a “unique” name can be challenging, and the complexities amplify for people of color.
Exploring Cultural Perceptions
In an episode of ABC’s black-ish, the challenges faced by black parents naming their children are explored. The character Dre is adamant about naming his son DeVante, but others question this choice. With siblings named Zoey, Junior, and Jack, DeVante seems out of place. Bow, familiar with having an unconventional name, worries about the societal implications; a name like DeVante may hinder job opportunities. This is echoed when Dre’s colleague Charlie admits he would hesitate to fly with a pilot named DeVante Johnson.
Why is DeVante viewed negatively while names like Amerson are generally accepted? The answer lies in cultural perceptions. Names like Amerson, Brinlee, or Ryken are seen as unique, trendy, and unassuming. In contrast, names such as DeVante, Quayvon, or Jamal are labeled as “ethnic,” and thus carry different connotations. For example, while Ryken might be the next CEO, Quayvon might struggle to find a job beyond minimum wage, perhaps landing a role as an NFL offensive lineman.
The Impact of Name Bias
Research has shown that bias against uniquely named individuals persists, particularly in employment. Marianne Bertrand and Sendhil Mullainathan, researchers at the National Bureau of Economic Research, conducted a study titled “Are Emily and Greg More Employable than Lakisha and Jamal?” which revealed stark disparities in job callbacks based solely on names. Their findings indicated that resumes with white-sounding names received callbacks 50% more often than those with distinctly black-sounding names, even with comparable qualifications.
As an adult with a distinctly ethnic name, I often reflect on how my name has influenced my job prospects. While applying for a position as a salon receptionist in predominantly white areas, I submitted numerous applications yet received few interviews. Despite my qualifications and strong references, the first name clients would hear—Zahirah—might not have been as appealing as something like Paisley. Based on research and my experiences, the odds were not in my favor.
Preconceived Notions and Stereotypes
Names evoke preconceived notions, whether we recognize them or not. For instance, a name like Rain may conjure thoughts of “free spirits,” while Zolten might suggest eccentric parenting. Conversely, names like Shaniqua often lead to stereotypes of being “ghetto,” and Hakim is too quickly associated with criminality. These biases, though often unacknowledged, are ingrained in societal perceptions.
When parents choose unique names for their children, the potential societal impact should not weigh heavily on their decision. Yet, we cannot ignore that biases exist; they are evident to every individual, like LaShawn, who struggles to find work despite being qualified. This issue must be addressed.
Resources for Naming
For those seeking the perfect name, you can explore additional resources, such as our other post on home insemination kits, or check out Make a Mom for comprehensive information. Additionally, for further insights into pregnancy and home insemination, Women’s Health offers excellent resources.
In summary, the name you carry can significantly influence your life experiences, shaping perceptions and opportunities, especially for people of color.