National Name Yourself Day Offers A Chance For Personal Reinvention

National Name Yourself Day on April 9 invites people to try on a new name, but the cheeky opportunity to play pretend may have more profound psychological effects.

Studies have shown links between a person’s name and their personality, and even between a person’s name and their face. The so-called “Dorian Gray effect,” named for Oscar Wildes novel “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” in which the titular aristocrat’s portrait ages and changes instead of himself, posits that a person’s name carries social significance that shapes them.

“Our names may shape how we view ourselves and how others see us. They can carry weight, power, expectations — or maybe even offer an opportunity to lighten things up,” says Cesar Wurm, an author and speaker who has been sober for more than a decade, and who is encouraging others to embrace National Name Yourself Day.

“So what would you name yourself… today?” Wurm asks. “Phoenix for your comeback story? Joy to reflect the energy youre determined to give off? Bossanova because youve always suspected you were born to dance?” As for himself, Wurm says he’s sticking with Cesar.

“If I had to try on a new name, maybe Id go with “Momentum” or “Uno” — because lately, Ive been thinking a lot about the power of one bold step forward,” he says.

“Speaking of bold steps, let me share a personal journey. Over the past 50 days, Ive embraced the invigorating challenge of daily cold plunges. Its been a way to continue reinventing myself, building upon the habits Ive cultivated during my over a decade of sobriety. This practice is challenging, no doubt, but it brings a profound sense of accomplishment and contributes significantly to my mental and physical health,” Wurm says.

“This day is about more than name tags and make-believe. Its about reinvention. About taking stock,” he says.

“What do you love about your life right now? Double down on it,” Wurm says. “Whats not quite clicking? Rename it. Reframe it. Take the first step to change it.”

According to Wurm, people too often wait for a major milestone moment — like a new year, new job or new relationship — to stop and reflect.

“Why not use this random, quirky holiday as your personal check-in? As a mirror held up to your own life portrait?” he says.

“Still rocking the name Cesar — but now considering ‘The Reinventor’ as a solid middle name,” he says.

“Youd be surprised how changing one small thing can shift your perspective on everything else,” Wurm says.