What's in a name?

Another non-confession post. Wow, I am really stepping outside of my comfort zone lately.

There is a pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies named Cole Hamels. Cole Hamels. Say it a few times. I'll wait. What else could he have been besides a ball player? Is that not such a baseball player name? Maybe he could have gotten away with being a model, or a soap star, but that is pretty much it. I mean, Cole Hamels CPA just doesn't work. Nor does "hi I'm your sons math teacher, Mr. Hamels, Mr. Cole Hamels." It just doesn't seem right.

I know all of the baby name books that I have read say that certain names inspire certain feelings or thoughts when heard. Certain names have certain connotations attached to them. I seem to remember them saying that the name "Crystal" inspired people to think of someone who is white trash of a lower social stature. Sorry Crystals. And if I recall correctly, Alexis was thought to be a real bitch somewhat snobbish. Don't send me emails Alexis, I didn't make this stuff up.

So, I started giving some thought to my own name. Then I was thinking about my kid's names. What? Oh, I should have done that before I named them. Um, yeah maybe you're right. Oh well, too late now. Anyway, if there is any truth to this name thing, I think my daughters are okay. My son though, well, his name really only qualifies him to be a used car salesman, or maybe an insurance adjuster. As a matter-of-fact, when we chose the name, my mom even said "that sounds like a used car salesman". Again, too late now. My name, Michelle, according to this site, means that I am "a hard worker with a meticulous sense of detail" amongst other things.

So, do you think that there is any truth to the notion that the name you are given somehow determines what kind of person you will be? Can your name really have an impact on your lot in life? What do you think? Do you like your name? What "traits" do you associate with your name?