What is in a Name?

With names like Shaniqua, Shaligua, Mohammed and all that crap and all of them are in jail. (When we give these kinds names to our children, we give them the strength and inspiration in the meaning of those names. What’s the point of giving them strong names if there is not parenting and values backing it up).
-Excerpt from Bill Cosby's Address at the NAACP's Gala to Commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education delivered 17 May 2004, Constitution Hall, Washington D.C.

Recently, I read an editorial by Thomas Sowell, a writer and senior fellow at the Hoover Institution of Stanford University in California. His title, "Names reflect family's values, attitude." I wanted to give a few quotes from his column that were interesting and like to know what you think about them.

"People have always sought distinctions, but the ways they have tried to distinguish themselves have varied widely. Some have let their clothes, tattoos, [pierced] body parts, or [loud] talk establish their claims to be noticed."

"[One way] people seek distinction is in the names they give their children. Not only are the names distinctive, [but] remain distinctive." (translation: no one wants to use them to name any other children)

"Names are just one of the superficialities of our time that have replaced character, wisdom, and achievement."

" 'What's in a name?' Shakespeare asked. These days, sometimes a lot. There have been studies claiming racial discrimination by employers who are more likely to reject a job applicant named DeShawn or Jamal than one named Jack or Scott."

"Names are indicative of more than race, however. They are also indicative of values and attitudes in the families from which particular people came."

"Parents who think they are doing something clever or cute -- or just 'making a statement' -- when they name their children might consider what the consequences might be later on. They might also consider giveng their child some more solid foundation than a name for achieving something worthwhile in life."

Do you agree or disagree with the statements of Sowell? Do names give a good indication of the achievements or capabilities (good or bad) of an individual? Or is this whole thing just being thrown out of proportion? Let me know what you think.