this post was submitted on 13 Jan 2026
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Nominative Determinism

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Nominative determinism is the hypothesis that people tend to gravitate towards areas of work that fit their names. The term was first used in the magazine New Scientist in 1994, after the magazine's humorous "Feedback" column noted several studies carried out by researchers with remarkably fitting surnames. These included a book on polar explorations by Daniel Snowman and an article on urology by researchers named Splatt and Weedon. These and other examples led to light-hearted speculation that some sort of psychological effect was at work.

This is a community for posting real-world examples of names that by coincidence are funny in context. A link to the article or site is preferable, as well as a screenshot of the funny name if it's not in the headline. Try not to repost, and keep it fun!

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[–] Apocalypteroid@feddit.uk 2 points 20 hours ago

I actually ran into this guy in Melbourne and had my photo taken with him about 20 years ago now, when I was backpacking.

[–] smeg@feddit.uk 6 points 1 day ago (1 children)

I've just read this Wikipedia article, let's just say that "author" is technically correct but doesn't do justice to one of the most insane articles I've ever read

[–] calliope@retrolemmy.com 2 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) (1 children)

Correct! When I clicked on it and read “Chopper” Read I was like “wait I have definitely heard of this guy as something other than an author.”

Not really determinism unless his name was Mark Career Criminal but that’s ok

[–] Skullgrid@lemmy.world 1 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Hey, he's a guy called Read that wrote some excellent books. That works for nominative determinism.

He did something else first, but he's still a good enough writer to be classified as such.

[–] smeg@feddit.uk 1 points 18 hours ago

Oh definitely, it's right there in his Wikipedia summary (with some... other stuff)

Mark Brandon "Chopper" Read was an Australian convicted criminal, gang member and author. Read wrote a series of semi-autobiographical fictional crime novels and children's books.

[–] Hossenfeffer@feddit.uk 3 points 1 day ago

Should have invented email.

[–] Diddlydee@feddit.uk 3 points 1 day ago

Chopper. Excellent movie with Eric Bana.

Mark Read's books are all worth a go as well. Some crazy escapades.

I remember this guy. Mad bastard had someone cut his ears off.