TransWikia.com

A word that means "to become one's name"

English Language & Usage Asked by wool.in.silver on March 24, 2021

I’m looking for a word which indicates that a person has adopted a quality suggested by their name, e.g. a person named Grace who is indeed graceful, or perhaps someone named Shepherd who has become a shepherd.

I have a strong notion that I once learned such a word, but I have forgotten it and have never re-discovered it.

2 Answers

Aptronym

An aptronym, aptonym, or euonym is a personal name aptly or peculiarly suited to its owner.
[Wikipedia]

Correct answer by Lucas on March 24, 2021

I believe you may be thinking of Nominative determinism, a theory which describes a phenomenon where somebody's name significantly influences their job, status or personality.

Answered by itsbruce on March 24, 2021

Add your own answers!

Ask a Question

Get help from others!

© 2024 TransWikia.com. All rights reserved. Sites we Love: PCI Database, UKBizDB, Menu Kuliner, Sharing RPP