The Aussie names with the best and worst credit scores
An analysis by CreditSimple.com.au has found an interesting relation between traditional names and better credit scores.
The research delved into data to rank Australian names with the best average credit score.
A credit score is a rating between zero and 1000 which indicates your financial history. The higher your score, the more attractive you are to lenders.
The top five Australian names with the best average credit score were all traditional women’s names. Valda scored 792, Mavis 784, Beryl 783, Joan 782 and Marjorie 782.
“The average male score is 698 while the average female score is 707, and the highest scoring male name, Barrie, scores lower than the fifth female name, Marjorie,” said CreditSimple spokeswoman Emily Price.
“Part of this is because women tend to score higher than men across all generations, but it’s also because your credit score generally improves as you get older, and as you gradually prove that you’re responsible and capable of paying your bills.”
In the men’s category, Barrie was the name that had the best credit score with 769, followed by Donald 767, Reginald 764, Melvyn 763 and Luigi 760. At the bottom of the men’s list was Cody on 566. Harley 566, Josh 574, Dylan 575 and Jayden 578.
For the women, Jess came in last place with 551, Tamika scored 554, Kayla 560, Taylah 573 and Tayla on 575.
“Sometimes sticking with traditional spelling, or even changing a single letter, can make a difference,” Ms Price said.
“Women named Taylor rather than Tayla or Taylah score extra points — 578 compared to 575 and 573, respectively — and those named Crystal rather than Krystal have a one-point advantage — 583 to 582.”
Ms Price explained that for Baby Boomers, Gen X and Gen Y, Asian names emerged as those with the best credit scores.
For Gen Z, royal-style names took out the top spots.
“The top scoring names for Gen Z females are Eliza [643], Charlotte [641], Julia [638], Isabelle [637] and Kate [634], while the Gen Z males are Oliver [633], Angus [630], Harry [629], Edward [628] and Max [628],” she said.
Most credit scores vary between 300 and 750. A higher score makes it easier to obtain credit and gives greater leverage to negotiate better deals from banks, telcos, insurance companies and utilities.
Consumers can check their credit score for free through either Dun & Bradstreet, Veda or Experian.
“Regardless of your name and how you spell it, we encourage all Aussies to check their credit score and see how they stack up,” Ms Price said.
Did your name make it on the list above? Tell us in the comments below.