In short
- Add the value of every letter, then reduce the total to one digit.
- A different spelling or a different system gives a different number.
- Use it as a tie-breaker, not as the main reason.
Numerology gives every letter a number and adds them up to a single digit for the name. Many parents use it as a light extra when choosing a name. This guide shows the method we use on Informay, so you can check any name yourself.
1The letter table
In the Pythagorean method the letters A to Z are numbered 1 to 9 in order, and then start again:
- 1: A, J, S
- 2: B, K, T
- 3: C, L, U
- 4: D, M, V
- 5: E, N, W
- 6: F, O, X
- 7: G, P, Y
- 8: H, Q, Z
- 9: I, R
2A worked example
Take the name Arjun. A = 1, R = 9, J = 1, U = 3 and N = 5. Added together that is 19. Because 19 has two digits, add them: 1 + 9 = 10, and again 1 + 0 = 1. The name number of Arjun is 1.
You do the same for any name. Ignore spaces and use the letters of the name as it is spelled. A different spelling can give a different number, which is one more reason to decide on a spelling first.
Tip. Count every letter, including repeated ones, and leave out spaces.
3Three more examples
Aarav: A = 1, A = 1, R = 9, A = 1, V = 4. The total is 16, then 1 + 6 = 7, so the name number is 7.
Diya: D = 4, I = 9, Y = 7, A = 1. The total is 21, then 2 + 1 = 3, so the name number is 3.
Fatima: F = 6, A = 1, T = 2, I = 9, M = 4, A = 1. The total is 23, then 2 + 3 = 5, so the name number is 5.
Notice that names that look similar can land on different numbers, and that two quite different names can share one. That is normal, and it is why the number is only a light extra.
4What each number traditionally stands for
Numerology gives each number a general character. These are traditional descriptions and are the same for every name that adds up to that number:
- 1: leader, independent and original
- 2: peacemaker, gentle and good with people
- 3: creative, cheerful and expressive
- 4: builder, steady, practical and dependable
- 5: explorer, curious and fond of change
- 6: nurturer, loving and responsible
- 7: thinker, thoughtful and a seeker of answers
- 8: achiever, determined and success driven
- 9: humanitarian, kind and generous
5Other systems give other numbers
The Pythagorean method is the most common one online, but it is not the only one. The Chaldean system, popular in India, uses a different table and gives a different number for many names. If your family follows a particular system, use that one. On Informay every name page shows the Pythagorean number.
6A sensible way to use it
If you have narrowed your list to two or three names you like equally, the name number can act as a tie-breaker, and that is all it needs to be. If one of your favourites has a number that your family likes, that may settle it. If none does, it does not matter. A name with a lovely meaning and a sound the whole family enjoys will serve a child better than the "right" number ever could.
7How much weight to give it
Numerology is a tradition and not science. There is no evidence that the number of a name has any effect on a child's character or life. If it adds some fun to the search, enjoy it, but choose the name for its meaning, its sound, and the way it fits your family. You can see the number for any name in our baby names directory, and read how to weigh all the factors in our guide on how to choose a baby name.
Common questions
Do double letters count twice?
Yes. Count every letter, including repeated ones.
Should I add the surname?
The name number on Informay is for the first name. Some systems add the full name, which gives a different number.
Does a different spelling change the number?
Often it does. Aarav and Arav, for example, give different totals.