A recent linguistics study has shed new light on a question that intrigues people the world over: What makes certain names particularly pleasant to hear? According to newly published research summarized in Psychology Today, scientists have taken a closer look at the sounds of names in different languages and cultures, and have uncovered patterns that explain why some names resonate so positively with our ears. This discovery holds intriguing implications for parents choosing names for their newborns, creative professionals inventing characters in fiction, and anyone interested in the science of sound symbolism.
Why should this matter to Thai readers? In Thailand, names are deeply significant, blending linguistic music with cultural symbolism. Names are chosen not just for their meaning or religious luck but also for their sound. Parents, monks, and astrologers often consult together, trying to harmonize the phonetic flow and auspicious meaning when naming a child. Against this cultural backdrop, scientific insights into the pleasingness of a name’s sound are likely to resonate, especially as modern and international naming trends influence younger generations.
The research, conducted by an international team of linguists and psychologists, analyzed thousands of names using ratings from participants across diverse linguistic backgrounds. The study found that names containing certain types of consonant and vowel sounds were generally rated as more pleasing. For example, names with softer consonants, open vowels, and a gentle, melodic rhythm were consistently ranked higher for auditory appeal. Conversely, names with harsh or abrupt consonant sequences were rated as less attractive. “Sound symbolism—the idea that sounds themselves carry emotional weight—is not new, but our findings help quantify just how much this influences the perception of names,” said one linguistics researcher involved in the study, as cited in the Psychology Today report.
Importantly, the findings held across languages—with cultural differences influencing name preferences at the margins, but many core aesthetic principles remaining consistent. Experts note that this universality likely stems from innate human responses to certain speech sounds, a field of study known as phonesthetics. In Thai context, this is reflected in the popularity of names with “-porn” (พร: blessing), “-chai” (ชัย: victory), or “-jai” (ใจ: heart), all of which rely on open vowel sounds and gentle endings.
Although the study focused primarily on Western names, the linguistic patterns identified easily extend to the Thai language. As a linguistics lecturer from a prominent Thai university explains, Thai names often aim for a balance between euphony and auspiciousness. “We see parents favoring names with a rising intonation and a pleasant, rhythmic syllabic structure. This matches the universal tendency, as the new study points out, for human brains to prefer names that ‘flow’ musically,” the lecturer said in a recent interview with local media.
Historically, Thai naming customs have featured both monosyllabic and multi-syllabic forms, with longer names often reserved for formal settings and nicknames chosen for everyday use. Even nicknames can follow these euphonic trends—popular choices like “Nong Bam,” “Nong Ploy,” or “Nong Toon” illustrate the penchant for soft, singable combinations. The Thai Royal Institute’s official dictionary has long recognized the role of phonetics in name formation, encouraging names that are both beautiful in sound and considerate in meaning.
Looking ahead, linguists predict that as Thailand continues to globalize, more parents will be interested in names that are not just meaningful but also internationally harmonious. Multicultural parents might look for names that feel pleasant in both Thai and English, reflecting a growing awareness of cross-linguistic aesthetics. With technology now allowing for algorithmic testing of name sounds—such as AI-powered baby name apps—the intersection of science and tradition will likely grow stronger in the naming process.
For Thai parents, the practical takeaway from this research is clear: When choosing a baby name, pay attention both to the meaning and to how the name sounds aloud. Recite the full name several times, ideally in different emotional tones, and notice how it feels. Emphasize soft vowel sounds and rhythmic flow, which appeal universally and locally. Consult elders as tradition dictates, but don’t be afraid to consider how a name echoes in a global context. As the research suggests, a name that sings is truly a gift that lasts a lifetime.
To further explore the science behind this study, see the original feature at Psychology Today and related discussions in linguistic journals indexed on PubMed and Wikipedia’s entry on Sound Symbolism.