Fear of names (nomatophobia)

Nomatophobia is a fear of names, or of hearing one particular word or name. Often the name carries a link to a person, place or event that feels upsetting. Hearing it in conversation, on TV or in a song can bring on a rush of anxiety.

About this phobia

The word is linked to the Greek onoma, meaning name. It is rarely reported and appears mainly on lists of phobias. A similar term, onomatophobia, is also listed for a fear of a certain word or name.

What it feels like

• Tensing up when a certain name is mentioned
• Avoiding shows, songs or places tied to that name
• Struggling to say the word out loud

Explore more unusual fears in the rare phobias A to Z, or browse the common phobias.

Common questions

Why would a single name cause anxiety?

Names often act as reminders of people or events. If a name is tied to someone who treated you badly, a GP or specialist counsellor can help with what lies behind it.

How can you help?

I use hypnotherapy and NLP to change how your mind responds to the thing you fear, so the old alarm stops going off. Sessions are one to one over Zoom, and you get a recording of the hypnosis to listen to afterwards.

How many sessions will I need?

Many clients notice a real difference after one 90 minute session. If the fear goes back a long way, three sessions gives us room to make the change stick.

Ready to start?

Book a £49 consultation call and we’ll talk through your fear, or take the free suitability test first.

See all session options and prices