Naming Patterns Reveal Cultural Values: Patronyms,Matronyms,and the U.S. Culture of Honor

Four studies examined the hypothesis that honor norms would be associated with a pronounced use of patronyms,but not matronyms,for naming children. study 1 shows that men who endorse honor values expressed a stronger desire to use patronyms (but not matronyms) for future children,an association that was mediated by patriarchal attitudes. study 2 presents an indirect method for assessing state patronym and matronym levels. as expected,patronym scores were significantly higher in honor states and were associated with a wide range of variables linked previously to honor-related dynamics. study 3a shows that following the terrorist attacks of 9/11,patronyms increased in honor states,but not in non-honor states. likewise,priming men with a fictitious terrorist attack (study 3b) increased the association between honor ideology and patronym preferences. together,these studies reveal a subtle social signal that reflects the masculine values of an honor culture. © 2013 by the society for personality and social psychology,inc.