Most of us have read "Animal Farm" and "1984" by George Orwell or, at least, have heard of him. However, did you know that Orwell is not his real name? I didn't know that, and I was an English major in college.

His real name was Eric Arthur Blair. Orwell, or rather Blair, died in 1950. By the way, he took the name of Orwell because the River Orwell was one of his favorite places to visit in England.

That got me thinking about the difficulty and significance of remembering names. Many times, I am introduced to someone and within 30 seconds that person's name is a distant memory even when I am still in conversation with that person. I usually am too embarrassed to admit that to the person and usually don't.

So, I think it would be valuable if I devoted a few words to the subject of remembering names. Given the importance of remembering someone's name in a personal or professional setting, here are some things to consider.

First, pay special attention when someone says their name. Focus solely on the name you just heard and forget about what you are having for lunch that day or anything else that may distract you. This is important in the process of recalling that name later.

Second, after the person says their name, be sure to find a way of saying it out loud. Perhaps, saying their first name again pays memory benefits. You can be sneaky with this by saying, "Nice to meet you, Eric." The process of saying the name again will work wonders for memory name retention.

Third, make an association between the person's name and something that connects them with something important to you. For example, Eric Clapton may be your favorite rock guitarist. As a rock-junkie, you may remember that Eric Clapton was a member of the rock group Derek and the Dominos. Think of Eric Clapton and associate it with the Eric that you have just met. This is important if you see that person again unexpectedly. However, remember that person's name is Eric not Derek.

Fourth, further repetition of a name is important. Later, if you are around other people, try to say the name again to yourself or say it aloud if by yourself. This is particularly necessary if the person you just met is important to you personally or may be significant to you professionally. Psychologists believe that you should repeat the name to yourself again many times. In fact, repeated recitation of the name solidifies it in your memory.

Remembering names is more important than most people realize. Think of the time when you were greeted by a person and that person said, "Hello Tina, how have you been?" It may have shocked you that the person remembered meeting you two years ago. The ability to remember a name lends a personal touch and may impress someone important to your career or personal life.