First impressions can be significantly influenced by something as simple as a person's first name, with 18 percent of Americans reporting that they judge others based solely on this factor, according to recent research. The survey of 2,000 U.S. adults revealed that nearly one in five make assumptions about people based on names they likely did not choose themselves.
Generation Z emerged as the most likely demographic to form snap judgments based on a first name, with 29 percent of respondents in this age group admitting to the practice. Millennials followed closely, with 21 percent sharing similar tendencies. Gen X and Baby Boomers were less likely to engage in name-based judgment, at 14 percent and 12 percent respectively.
When asked to identify names they associated with negative connotations, certain names appeared more frequently. "Karen" was cited as the most judged first name, significantly outnumbering other responses. "Chad" was the second most common, followed by "Donald," "John," and "Damien."
The research also touched upon individuals' relationships with their own given names. A substantial 42 percent of Americans feel that they do not embody the spirit of their first name. However, younger generations reported a stronger connection to their names. Nearly half of Gen Z respondents (44 percent) and 40 percent of millennials indicated they strongly identify with their first name, compared to 31 percent of Gen Xers and 29 percent of Baby Boomers.
A notable portion of Americans, one in five, also expressed a desire to change their first name. Gen Z again showed the highest inclination, with 32 percent of respondents in this group stating they would opt for a different name. Popular alternative names suggested by respondents included Jessica, Amira, Caroline, Lisa, and Natalie. Some participants also proposed more unconventional choices, such as "SirCartier" and "Furnace."
The survey was conducted online by Talker Research between June 11, 2026, and June 17, 2026, polling 2,000 Americans.