Blacks in the United States with traditional African American names (such as Elijah or Moses) live on average one year longer than others. Popular modern names (for example, Jamal or Lakisha) lead to discrimination. This is the conclusion reached by researchers from the United States, who studied three million death certificates issued from 1802 to 1970. They presented their research in the journal Explorations in Economic History, and the research is briefly reported in a press release from the University of Michigan.
After examining an array of death certificates issued in four states (Alabama, Illinois, Missouri and North Carolina), scientists have identified specific names for blacks. These are primarily biblical anthroponyms - Abe (Abraham), Elijah (Elijah), Moses (Moses), Isaiah, Israel (Israel), as well as King, Prince and Freeman ("free"). It turned out that the bearers of these names live on average a year longer than other African American men - regardless of education level, type of family and employment.
Scholars attribute this phenomenon to the biblical origin of the names, as well as their connotations of power and authority. It is likely that Old Testament anthroponyms were respected by teachers, preachers, and others in leadership positions, which helped their bearers establish valuable connections within their community.
Strong social bonds generally contribute to healthier and safer lives, scientists say. “Imagine a Sunday school class in a small room. The teachers there, I think, implicitly had high hopes for the students with such distinctive names. And this gave them a status that they otherwise could not have counted on,”notes co-author Lisa D. Cook.
Previously, researchers in the UK and the US found that fashion names (such as Tremayne or Tanisha) discriminated against blacks when hiring, applying for grants, and choosing a supervisor. This is associated with a prejudice against the poor and alien to the establishment of people, and in Britain, discrimination is primarily based on class, and in the United States - on racial basis.