posted February 12, 2008 04:22 PM         

Source: http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg18324602.700-are-you-too-sexy-for-your-name.html

quote:

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HOW attractive are you? The answer could depend partly on your name.

Linguist Amy Perfors of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology placed photos that included prominent names on the "Hot or Not?" website, which allows viewers to rank strangers' photos. Each photo was posted at different times with different names. She found that men labelled with names including "front vowels" - sounds produced in the front of the mouth such as the "aaa" in Matt - were rated as more attractive than photos labelled with "back vowel" names, such as the "aw" sound in Paul. The opposite was true for women, she told the Cognitive Science Society meeting in Chicago last week.

While most linguists think there is no inherent relationship between the sound of a word and its meaning, there is some evidence to the contrary, says Perfors. Front vowels are often perceived as "smaller" than back vowels. It may seem counterintuitive that men with a smaller-sounding, front vowel in their names are rated as more attractive, but other studies show that men with slightly feminine features are considered more desirable. "Maybe women are subconsciously looking for more sensitive or gentle men," says Perfors. But if you're thinking of changing your name, don't go too far - men with women's names were rated least attractive of all.

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Hmmmm... Wonder on what level of sexiness is the name "Umair?" Lol!

posted February 12, 2008 04:44 PM         

Which also fits my sun sign of the loyal taurean and it also fits me in that I was born in the Chinese Year of the Dog - that loyalty, devoted and steadfast thing again.

posted February 12, 2008 04:52 PM         

Don't know if my mom knew this when my dad and her decided on my name. I think they just wanted to name me after "Masab Bin Umair," the famous historical figure (details on him: http://www.iberr.org/umair.htm) By his description, I am assuming he was a Libra.

Anyway, the name "Umair" is derived from ancient Arabic which means the "Bringer of the Apocalypse" or from another interpertation, "The ender of life."

In the words of Oppenheimer, "I am become death, the destroyer of worlds."

posted February 12, 2008 07:00 PM         

My name means "different" in an ancient Scythian language from what I know but its hard to find the meaning. Different would fit me to a T....im an oddball

posted February 12, 2008 07:26 PM         

Actually when I read Xodian's post I was going to respond by telling him that the meaning of his name would be seen as quite sexy by many, many women. It denotes a man of power. How much more powerful can you get than to be the bringer of death and destruction of worlds? LOL

And a vampire on top of that? The name seems to fit, Xodian. hee hee

posted February 12, 2008 08:24 PM         

"Umair" is:

Although the name Umair creates the urge to be both logical and technical, we emphasize that it causes an unscrupulous, materialistic approach that frustrates higher humanitarian qualities.

This name, when combined with the last name, can frustrate happiness, contentment, and success, as well as cause health weaknesses in the elimination system and reproductive organs.

The name of Umair gives you a practical, shrewd nature with interests in business and the world of finance.

You judge most things by their material value and you are usually pre-occupied with seeking your own financial independence.

You desire to be in a position of leadership, for you can see where all the details fit into the overall situation and you have analytical and organizational ability.

From: http://www.kabalarians.com/index.cfm

My screen-name:

Although the name Zala creates the urge to understand others, we emphasize that it limits your vision, tuning you to technical details.

This name, when combined with the last name, can frustrate happiness, contentment, and and success, as well as cause health weaknesses in the fluid and elimination system.

The name of Zala has created a congenial nature with the desire to associate in friendship and understanding both socially and in the business world.

Peaceful and settled conditions appeal to you and you are naturally desirous of having the security of a home, where your life could follow a definite pattern, and where you would not have to make major decisions.

You find it difficult to take a definite stand, partly because you lack confidence, and also because you dislike any issues which create dissension between people.

Procrastination is a weakness of your nature, causing an inability always to complete your plans or to concentrate for long.

posted February 12, 2008 11:45 PM         

------------------
Capricorn sun / Scorpio rising / Sagittarius moon

posted February 14, 2008 12:12 PM         

Lol! Well that may be true in one sense... But, can you imagine just one night of passion?

Umair: "Oh be ready for an experience that you have never had before! ... Oh and you and the rest of the world have only have one day left to exist."

Hmmm, not gonna fly too well with most women .

Zala:

posted February 14, 2008 01:07 PM         

Missed your post.