Why we should name our baby girls Andrew

Congratulations! There’s a baby girl on the way. Maybe not right now, but at some point in your life someone you know will welcome a gorgeous little girl into this world. It’s likely that before she’s even born there’ll be much discussion as to what to call her. May I be so bold as to jump in with a suggestion?

Name her Andrew.

Yes, it’s an unconventional choice but hear me out. Not only will she have a name that’s eternally popular and (therefore) easy to say, it’s also more likely to set her up for corporate success should she want it later on.

An analysis of ASX 200 companies in 2019 found there were more CEOs named Andrew than there were CEOs who were women. In 2023, research in the UK found a similar thing. Following a deep dive into the FTSE100, aggregated data was used to create a profile of the average CEO. Their name was, you guessed it, Andrew. There were lots of CEO Simons too.

In 2024, analysis of the top 20 companies on the Australian Stock Exchange found all current Board Chairpersons have male names. They also happen to be male but let’s not quibble over the details. The fact remains, having a typically female name is a distinct disadvantage in the corporate world. So, best to give our baby girls traditional (English) boys’ names if we’re to give them a shot at reaching the top.

Another option, and one bound to have a more immediate effect, is to invest in women already identified as leaders.

FW’s Platinum+ program does just that. The year-long comprehensive program – designed for mid-career women – provides the capability uplift and connections emerging leaders need to excel. It’s packed with professional development, mentorship and networking opportunities, and delivered in a format that fits into the busy agendas of professional women.

For companies who are serious about gender equity and wanting to ensure more women are in their leadership pipeline, it’s the perfect solution. Either that, or they can ask the women who work for them to rebrand themselves as an Andrew. Or a Simon. That might work too.