Judy or Joshua are Britain's happiest names, while Lynn or Ben most miserable

London, March 28 (ANI): People named Judy or Joshua are likely to be the happiest in Britain, and those called Lynn or Ben the most miserable.

This suggestion comes from Dr David Holmes, a psychologist at Manchester Metro-politan University, who believes that people's personalities can change to fit the name they are given.

He says that women named Stephanie, Linda, Pam and Pat are among the most cheery, and that the same is the case with men named Matthew, Jason, Terry and Barry.

However, said Dr. Holmes, the unhappiest women tend to be Charlotte, Tina, Amy or Tara.

He further says that the glummest males are likely to go by the names of Andrew, Edward, Tim or Owen.

According to Dr. Holmes, Christian names are similar to brand names in that people associate certain characteristics with them.

He corroborates this by saying that Pauline is one name that is generally thought of as miserable because of EastEnders character Pauline Fowler, played by the late Wendy Richard.

On the other hand, the name Judy has the opposite effect due to its association with actress Judi Dench and TV presenter Judy Finnegan, both of whom are seen as good-natured persons.

Dr. Holmes believes that the association which others make rubs off on the person with the name, and that the personalities of such people become shaped to fit their name and the assumptions of others.

"We know from our research that names can influence student marks so it follows that they also affect how we treat those so named," the Daily Express quoted him as saying.

"The associations we have with certain names, particularly significant namesakes, also shape how we see ourselves and so may have an effect on our confidence and assumed role in society.

"Names have a powerful effect on attitudes and should therefore be ­chosen with care," he added. (ANI)