So its joyful Judy and jolly Joshua, but there is also good news for those called Stephanie, Linda, Jason, Matthew, Terry and Pam as they feature near the top of Smile's Happiest Names Report.
UK's 10 Happiest Names
Female - Male
1. Judy - Joshua
2. Stephanie - Jason
3. Linda - Matthew
4. Pam - Terry
5. Pat - Barry
6. Fiona - Stan
7. Paula - Ian
8. Susan - Craig
9. Isobel - Nigel
10. Vicki - Christopher
However the research also uncovers those names which are not quite so cheerful. According to the study Lynn and Ben are the unhappiest names, with Charlotte, Andrew, Tina and Edward not far behind.
UK's 10 Unhappiest Names
Female - Male
1. Lynn - Ben
2. Charlotte - Andrew
3. Tina - Edward
4. Amy - Tim
5. Tara - Owen
6. Sam - Bob
7. Alex - Dennis
8. Tanya - Ray
9. Jessica - Alfie
10. Olivia - Jeremy
Dr David Holmes, a leading psychologist from Manchester Metropolitan University comments, "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 associations we have with certain names, particularly significant namesakes, also shapes how we see ourselves and thus may have an effect on our confidence and assumed role in society. Names are like product brands in having a powerful effect on attitudes and should therefore be chosen with care."
The findings also reveal that on average, people called Ruth smile the most, at 18 times a day, while those named Mark follow at 14 times a day. At the other end of the spectrum, people named Pauline and Frank smile the least, with Pauline at 7 times a day and Frank at 5 times a day.
The research also highlights that Frank is the only name which tops the list in two areas - unhappiest male in a relationship and least likely to smile. However it is possible that the two could be interrelated, with the lack of smiling associated with Frank, linked in to the discontent they feel with their relationship.
