DORI MONSON

Naming expert says it’s ‘remarkable’ Dori Monson has made it this far

Apr 28, 2016, 11:56 AM | Updated: May 18, 2016, 8:35 am

Baby naming expert Albert Mehrabian says not all names are created equal. 
(Flickr, Jonathan Roland...

Baby naming expert Albert Mehrabian says not all names are created equal. (Flickr, Jonathan Rolande with House Buy Fast)

(Flickr, Jonathan Rolande with House Buy Fast)

When KIRO Radio’s Dori Monson first started his radio career 25 years ago, everyone told him to scrap his first name and use a variation of his middle name. So Dori asked baby-name expert Albert Mehrabian if going by the handle Tom Monson would have led to a better career.

“If you had come to me for advice I would have said, definitely use the name Thomas,” Mehrabian said.

Mehrabian, a Professor Emeritus of Psychology who created the Baby Name Report Card said he’s studied the importance of a good name and is not surprised by the reports of expectant parents paying consulting firms up to $29,000 to pick the perfect baby name. He says it is worth the money, assuming the consultant is using evidence-based research rather than a gut choice.

“If you can afford it, by all means, because the name a person carries around with them, it’s like an appendage that they have with them for a whole lifetime,” he said. “And the name makes an impression.”

Related: Dori tries not to cry in touching farewell to his long-time producer

That’s where Dori comes into play. Saddled with a unique name his entire life, Dori wanted to know where his birth name ranked compared to more typically strong names like Chad, Elizabeth, James, and Steven.

The results for the name Dori:

Ethical-caring: 86th percentile

Popular-fun: 5th percentile (“That’s about as low as it gets, sorry.”)

Successful: 7th percentile (“Unfortunately, that’s about as low as it comes.”)

Masculinity: 18th percentile

“In other words, I have a horrible name,” Dori said.

“It’s worse than my name,” Albert responded.

So does Dori deserve some credit for building the life he has against the odds?

“It’s very remarkable,” Mehrabian said. “You need a lot of credit for that.”

Photo courtesy House Buy Fast.

Dori Monson Show

Dori Monson

Dori Monson stage show...

MyNorthwest Staff

Watch: Dori Monson’s ‘What are the Odds?’ stage show

In 2019, Dori Monson hosted a stage show - 'What are the Odds?' - which introduced you to the people who helped shape his improbable career.

1 year ago

Dori Monson welcomes the Moose back to KIRO. Follow @http://twitter.com/Mynorthwest...

MyNorthwest Staff

A collection of the all-time best Dori Monson stories

With the passing of Dori Monson, a collection of some of his top stories to remember all the hard work Dori brought to Seattle.

1 year ago

Alaska, fishing...

KIRO Newsradio staff

Listen: Friends, colleagues offer tribute to KIRO Newsradio’s Dori Monson

All day Monday, KIRO Newsradio's John Curley talked to friends, news makers, and more in tribute to Dori Monson.

1 year ago

Dori Monson Shorecrest...

Dori Monson Show

How to support charities reflecting Dori Monson’s values, passions

In tribute to Dori Monson, learn more about how you can support these three charities which best reflect his values, passions, and advocacy.

1 year ago

From left, Producer Nicole Thompson and KIRO host Dori Monson. (Courtesy of the Monson family)...

MyNorthwest Staff

Broadcasters, politicians, coworkers and friends remember Dori Monson

Dori Monson, a longtime KIRO Newsradio host, passed away Saturday. He is remembered by public figures, broadcasters, coworkers, and listeners.

1 year ago

Dori Monson...

MyNorthwest Staff

Longtime KIRO Newsradio host Dori Monson dies at age 61

We are deeply saddened to announce Dori Monson's sudden passing on Saturday, December 31, 2022, at a Seattle hospital.

1 year ago

Naming expert says it’s ‘remarkable’ Dori Monson has made it this far