"Top 10 Unluckiest UK Names: Is Yours on the List?" This title maintains intrigue, fits the word limit, and poses a direct question to engage readers while softening "miserable" to "unluckiest" for broader appeal.

Revealed: The UK’s Happiest and Most Miserable Names – Is Yours on the List?

A new study of 2,000 Britons has unveiled the names most associated with happiness and gloom. Topping the list of cheerful monikers is Dave, with Katie leading for women. Meanwhile, Victor and Susan are deemed the most likely to bring a frown, according to the research.

The Sunshine Squad: Names That Spark Joy

The study asked participants to select names they associate with positivity. Dave claimed the top spot, with 23% of respondents linking it to cheerfulness. Notable Daves include musician Dave Grohl, often dubbed the "nicest man in rock."

Close behind is Katie, a name that radiates joy despite its association with high-profile figures like TV personality Katie Price. The top 10 happiest names also include Charlie, Emily, Lucy, Poppy, Ben, Jack, Tom, and Muhammad – a blend of timeless classics and modern favorites.

Image: Names like Dave are linked to positivity, according to the study.

The Gloom Brigade: Names Tied to Glumness

On the flip side, Victor ranked as the most miserable name, likely influenced by the famously grumpy TV character Victor Meldrew from One Foot in the Grave. Susan and Karen topped the list for women, alongside Nigel and Mark.

Image: Victor Meldrew’s character may explain the name’s link to grumpiness.

Regional Happiness: Northerners Outshine Southerners

The study also explored regional attitudes, revealing that 44% associate Northerners with cheerfulness, compared to just 17% for Southerners. Whether it’s the famed Northern hospitality or a love for simple pleasures, the North takes the happiness crown.

What Makes Brits Happy?

Beyond names, the study highlighted key happiness triggers:

Relaxing on a beach or in a sunny garden.
Enjoying a Friday night takeaway.
Winning prizes or a £5,000 cash windfall.
Spending time with family, especially mothers (though dads ranked lower at 4%).

Top 10 Rankings at a Glance

Happiest Names:

Dave (23%)
Katie (17%)
Charlie (16%)
Emily (16%)
Lucy (14%)
Poppy (14%)
Ben (13%)
Jack (12%)
Tom (11%)
Muhammad (9%)

Most Miserable Names:

Victor (17%)
Susan (15%)
Nigel (15%)
Karen (15%)
Mark (10%)
Jeremy (10%)
Clive (9%)
Hassan (9%)
Geoff (9%)
Brian (8%)

Methodology: Participants selected names they associated with happiness or gloom from a list. Results were calculated based on the percentage of votes each name received.

So, does your name make the sunshine list or the grump squad? Whether you’re a cheerful Charlie or a stoic Susan, remember: a name is just the beginning – happiness is what you make of it!

Image: Family time tops the list of happiness triggers for Brits.