You unconsciously prefer the letters in your own name
In 1985, Belgian psychologist Jozef Nuttin discovered something remarkable: people consistently prefer the letters in their own name over other letters—without realizing it.
This effect has been replicated across 15+ countries, 4 alphabets, all ages, and both genders. Even people who changed their names years ago still prefer letters from both their current and original names.
Let's test if you have this bias. You'll rate how much you like each letter of the alphabet. Try to be honest—but know that your unconscious preferences will likely shine through anyway.
(This will be hidden during the test and revealed at the end)
Letters from your name are highlighted
Some researchers argue the name-letter effect extends to major life decisions. This controversial hypothesis suggests people unconsciously gravitate toward things that resemble their names:
These "implicit egotism" claims are controversial. Critics like Uri Simonsohn argue the studies have methodological flaws and confounding variables. The basic name-letter effect is well-established; the life-decision claims are disputed.
Most people like themselves. Your name is deeply associated with your self-concept. This positive self-association "spills over" onto the letters of your name—an unconscious form of self-enhancement.
People with low self-esteem show a weaker name-letter effect. The effect is sometimes used as an implicit measure of self-esteem in research, since people can't consciously manipulate it.
Nuttin offered 100 participants a large cash prize to figure out the hidden pattern in his letter-rating study. Despite unlimited time, no one discovered they were rating their own name letters higher—yet the effect was still present.