Moral, Political, and Workplace Biases

Name bias

Inferring identity or ability from a name.

What Is Name bias?

Name bias is a thinking trap where inferring identity or ability from a name.

How It Tricks You

It can turn partial social evidence into a confident judgment about people, motives, or groups.

Real-World Example

A resume is judged differently because the name sounds unfamiliar.

Seen Online As

• The fast interpretation is doing more work than the evidence.
• The claim feels obvious before the check question is asked.
• A shortcut is making the judgment feel more certain than it is.

What To Ask Instead

Would blind review change this judgment?

Related Thinking Traps

• Anchoring bias
• Confirmation bias
• Framing effect
• Loss aversion

Common Situations

• Thinking Traps in Relationships
• Thinking Traps at Work
• Thinking Traps in Politics

Quick FAQ

What is Name bias?

Inferring identity or ability from a name.

What is an example of Name bias?

A resume is judged differently because the name sounds unfamiliar.

How do I spot Name bias?

Would blind review change this judgment?