What's in a name? For some, a career
Some Boulder County professionals have names tailor-made for their careers
By Brittany Anas, The Camera
Published November 30, 2008 at 3:19 p.m.
BOULDER — There once was a man named Dr. Fish who started an oceanographic institute. He hired a man named Dr. Saila, who brought aboard another employee with the last name Seamann.
This isn't the opening line to a children's storybook about marine life. Rather, it's the curious series of events in Rhode Island that led psychologist Lewis Lipsitt to begin investigating whether there's something beyond coincidence to explain why some people's names so aptly fit their careers.
That was four decades ago, before the term "aptronym" earned an entry on Wikipedia to explain names like Usain Bolt, a Jamaican sprinter, and Lord Brain, a neurologist.
In Boulder County's phone book, there are plenty of living aptronyms -- the people who patiently nod when they field questions such as "Is that really your name?" for the umpteenth time. Among the locals with last names seemingly tailor-made for their professions are an ecologist, hamburger-chain owner, librarian, theater director, climbing coach and atmospheric scientist.
"When people have names that suggest their occupations, or preoccupations, I really think there is something to it," Lipsitt said.
For the rest of this story, visit The Camera by clicking here.
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November 30, 2008
7:04 p.m.
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ntaylor writes:
Our last name is Taylor and my daughter has loved sewing since she learned at age 6. She has made me a dress, costumes for plays, clothes for herself and friends, pillows and she loves cross stitch as well. She has always had amazing fine motor skills and the same long beautiful fingers as her father. I'm convinced she has received the genetics for the aptitude and capacity for fine handwork from her tailor ancestors.
December 1, 2008
12:11 p.m.
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ColoNative writes:
I went to college with a man with the last name of Tombs. I introduced him to a girl with the last name of Graves. They ended up married to each other. I have always wondered if he became a mortician.
December 1, 2008
7:36 p.m.
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incognitoboy writes:
with a last name like wilde, i've had my share of: "so, are you?"
how does one make a career out of THAT? wildlife biologist?
so, ColoNative - that's hilarious! for real? did their wedding announcement ever get featured on leno?