People’s names match their jobs

Ever notice how some people’s names truly match their professions? Like Bernard Madoff, who “made off ” with billions of investors’ dollars. Or the lesser known Ray Gal, an astronomer at the University of Hawaii, who studies galaxies.

It makes me wonder: What’s really in a name? Does a name foretell profession, or is it simply coincidence?

Turns out that a name suited to the profession of its owner is aptly called an “aptronym“. At least it’s a defined phenomenon. If you know of someone who’s name matches their job, please reply and tell us here. Here are a few more aptronyms that I’ve uncovered:

Robert Strange McNamara — Former secretary of defense who said the military action in Vietnam was wrong, but would never come out against Iraq. Strange, indeed.

Bill Medley — Musician in the Righteous Brothers band, who came up with folk rock medleys and songs.

Summer Starfield — Astronomer studies, you guessed it, stars.