ARE YOU A HANDY ANDY OR A PROPER CHARLIE? CALLING THE SHOTS: Names with an impact.

Byline: Samantha Booth

WHAT'S in a name? Well, quite a lot, according to research.

A study from the States has found that women lawmakers tend to do better in their careers if they have masculine first names such as Andy or George.

Here in Britain, research has been done to see if there are any links between names and physical and personality traits.

Schoolboys called Callum, Connor or Jack are likely to be the naughtiest boys in the class, according to studies.

Daniels, Brandons and Charlies also tend to be badly behaved.

Jacks, Charlies and Daniels are likely to be popular, perhaps because they are seen as loveable rogues.

With girls, the name flagged up most often for naughtiness is Chelsea, although teachers should also keep an eye on Courtneys, Chardonnays, Aleishas and Caseys.

Boys called Alexander tend to be clever. Other names associated with being smart are Adam, Christopher and Benjamin.

Girls called Elizabeth, Charlotte, Emma, Hannah and Rebecca are likely to get good grades.

In the popularity stakes, Emmas, Charlottes, Hannahs and Caitlins are favourites.

The names of George and Annie apparently conjure up pictures of people who are unattractive, although in the case of George Clooney, millions of women would disagree.

Sophie and Ryan, on the other hand, are linked with being good-looking.

Looking at models Sophie Dahl and Sophie Anderton, left, and singer Sophie Ellis Bextor, that seems fair enough.

Happy And we don't need convincing about film hunks Ryan Gosling and Ryan Phillippe.

According to research at Manchester University, women called Stephanie, Linda, Fiona and Pam are likely to be happy. But if you're a Lynn, Tina or an Amy, misery could be on the cards.

The names of Jason, Mathew, Barry and Craig are linked to joy. Ben, Andrew, Tim and Bob are at the other end of the scale.

If your initials spell out a nice word - such as J.O.Y. or H.U.G. - you are expected to live four years longer than average.

But if they make up P.I.G. or something similarly unpleasant, you are expected to live three years less.

Professor Richard Wiseman, of Hartford University in Connecticut, said: "Traditional names with royal associations are viewed as successful and intelligent.

"Attractive female names tended to be soft-sounding and end with the 'ee' sound, whereas the sexiest male names are short and much harder sounding."

CAPTION(S):

HUNKY: Actor Ryan Phillippe