Is your name more famous than you are?  What’s in a name? I once had a neighbor named John Carson; when he made a hotel or airline reservation, he used the name ‘Johnny Carson.’  Don’t you think that he got a great seat, or an upgrade to first class or a suite?  Names can also be a detriment. What if your name is that of a misdirected politician (think John Edwards), or a serial killer? Does your website reflect your actual name? Does you brand reflect who and what you are? Have you ever been mistaken for someone else, or had someone pull back when you introduced yourself by your ‘real name?’

The world is filled with John Carsons, Michael Jacksons, Chris Browns, Elizabeth Taylors and Brad Pitts forced to field comments about their more famous namesakes.  Many people share their names with famous people, including:

• Justin Bieber from Jacksonville
• Beyoncé from New York
• Matt LeBlanc from Canada
• Bill Gates from Chicago
• Sandra Bullock from Connecticut
• Kate Middleton from Brisbane
• John Carson from Denton

Is your name an icebreaker, or a nuisance?  Is your name more famous than you?