What Do Usain Bolt And William Wordsworth Have In Common?

When someone’s name is suited to how they make a living, it’s called an aptonym.

Think Usain Bolt or William Wordsworth. 

And their widespread presence in society might be more than a coincidence. 

Studies show a surprisingly high correlation between what someone’s called and what they do.  

For example, “Dr Payne” is an unusually common name for an anesthesiologist in the UK. 

The idea that someone’s name influences their life choices is called Nominative Determinism.

And it’s a global phenomenon. 

Research from cultures worldwide shows that children often develop identities associated with their names. 

That’s not to say, of course, that they always do.  

Inaptonyms also exist. 

And while they’re not nearly as common as aptonyms. They’re definitely funnier. 

Just ask the police officer who became an unwitting internet star in 2019 after giving an interview on the BBC.  

A certain Constable Rob Banks.