What's in a name? Do they affect future outcomes for children?

WHEN Ireland’s golden couple, Brian O’Driscoll and Amy Huberman, announced the birth of their daughter, Sadie, in February 2013, they started a trend — Sadie became one of the most popular girls’ names in Ireland for the first time. Why are Irish parents, like Brian and Amy, opting for shorter versions for their children and do these and other trends have any long term impact, asks Nuala Woulfe

Now, their son Billy’s name will likely have a similar effect. But the O’Driscolls are part of another trend— pet names for children from birth.