Why ADHD Makes It Hard to Remember People’s Names (Even After Meeting Them Multiple Times)

If you have ADHD, forgetting names happens more often. This is because your brain works differently when it comes to memory and attention. You may meet someone several times and still draw a blank on their name.

Why does that happen? Well, it starts with how your brain takes in and stores information.

In this article, you'll learn why this happens and what you can do to make name recall easier.

Why Name Recall Is Especially Difficult in ADHD

Name recall can be especially challenging for people with ADHD due to how their brains handle memory and attention. People with ADHD often struggle with both working memory and long-term memory.

But why does that matter for remembering names?

Working memory is like a mental sticky note that helps you hold information temporarily—like when someone tells you their name and you try to remember it while continuing the conversation. But up to 85% of children with ADHD show working memory difficulties, and these issues usually continue into adulthood. That means your brain might not hold onto a name long enough to store it properly.

In fact, people with ADHD have significant difficulty recalling names and other verbal information due to impairments in memory encoding, not retrieval. They often encode information in a disorganized way, which makes it harder for their brains to file it into long-term memory.

In simple terms, you may not actually have trouble recalling names, but the name was never encoded properly in the first place.

So when it’s time to remember the name, there’s nothing clear to pull from.

In the same study, adults with ADHD performed worse on long-term memory tasks than their peers without ADHD. The researchers linked this to poor encoding during the learning phase.

That’s a big deal—because if you don’t encode a name well when you first hear it, how can you expect to remember it later?

Executive Function and Retrieving Names on the Spot

Deficits in executive function are strongly linked to word-finding difficulties, especially in individuals with ADHD. Executive functions, which are controlled by the frontal lobe, include the ability to plan, organize, focus, and recall information. When these functions are impaired, the brain has a harder time accessing the right words at the right moment.

For example, adults with ADHD often struggle with memory retrieval because of their executive function challenges. These difficulties can cause frequent “tip-of-the-tongue” moments, where the person knows the word but can’t seem to say it. This is a problem about not being able to reach it when needed.

Moreover, executive function deficits disrupt efficient access to information, especially during conversation or when under pressure. The frontal lobe helps with attention and working memory—both needed for retrieving names on the spot. Without strong executive control, the brain may misfire, delay, or retrieve the wrong word. This often leads to pauses, vague descriptions, or even giving up on the name altogether.

This kind of difficulty is not just occasional. In ADHD, it can be a regular part of life. The constant interruptions in word retrieval can make speaking feel like a struggle and impact confidence in social or work settings.

Reddit Discussions on Difficulty in Retrieving Names

Many users on Reddit’s r/ADHD have openly shared their struggles with remembering names, revealing just how common and frustrating this symptom can be for people with ADHD.

For example, kbtnjo described how even when they actively repeated a doctor’s name to themselves—right after hearing it—they still forgot it within seconds. They said their mind kept repeating “appointment with doctor X,” but the actual name slipped away. This shows how even conscious effort can fail when memory encoding is disrupted.

Similarly, RedsBigBadWolf admitted that if someone tells them their name and keeps talking, the name is already gone by the end of the next sentence. Adding to this, mallnercj, a psychology professor, explained that they struggle so much with student names that they now give a disclaimer on the first day of class. They clarify to students that their forgetfulness isn’t personal, but rather tied to their ADHD. This comment underscores how deeply the issue can affect daily work, even for professionals used to managing large groups.

Another user, No_Line1830, stated that they forget names within a minute of hearing them—even though they can easily remember a person’s face. This contrast between facial recognition and name recall suggests that different memory systems are affected differently by ADHD.

globbyatom offered a detailed explanation. According to them, the challenge lies in the brain’s difficulty transferring information between short-term and long-term memory. For example, they shared that when asked to remember a word like “distinctive,” they could describe its meaning and related words but couldn't pull up the actual term. The word was stored somewhere, but accessing it was the issue. They explained that this memory gap isn’t about forgetting entirely—it’s about failing to retrieve. This difficulty also applies to names, as those are often abstract and lack strong mental anchors.

Germanicus1008 also emphasized how not remembering names can become socially stressful. They noted that forgetting someone’s name—even after multiple meetings—has led to awkward situations. To manage it, they now warn people upfront that they struggle with names, so others don’t misinterpret it as disinterest or disrespect.

Lastly, kayydeebe explained that working memory and recall are common struggles for people with ADHD. They shared how, as a teacher, they still couldn’t remember students' names even after weeks of interaction. At one point, when teaching over 300 students, they had to rely on photo-attached class lists just to keep track.

How People with ADHD Can Remember Names

Here are some strategies that might help you remember names:

Pay Full Attention

If you meet a new colleague at work, but instead of focusing on the name, for example, “Andrew,” your brain might be preoccupied thinking, “Did I remember to reply to that email?” or “Where did I leave my coffee?”

You can actually improve your ability to pay attention using techniques such as mindfulness. For instance, before entering a social setting, you might take a few deep breaths and remind yourself, “I’m going to focus on listening to names.”

Practicing short daily mindfulness exercises—like focusing on your breathing for five minutes or using apps such as Headspace or Calm—can help retrain your brain to be more present in those moments.

Say the Name Right Away

If someone introduces themselves as “Andrew” at a birthday party, replying with “Hey Andrew, I love your shoes,” not only makes the interaction more personal but also helps cement the name in your memory.

You might meet a new coworker on Monday and say, “Great to meet you, Jeff,” and then find that by Friday, the name still sticks. This technique can even be useful in everyday situations, like meeting a barista and saying, “Thanks, Jimmy,” after they hand you your drink. It turns what would’ve been a forgettable exchange into something more memorable.

People are often pleasantly surprised when you use their name again later—whether it’s at a gym class or a school pickup line. This instantly adds a friendly, thoughtful touch to the interaction.

Make a Meaningful Link

Associate the person's name with something memorable. It could be a famous figure, a loved one, or a ridiculous scene you invent on the spot.

For instance, if you meet someone named Raven, you might imagine a giant black bird perched on their shoulder, quoting Edgar Allan Poe. Or maybe you picture them flying through the sky in a superhero cape, cawing dramatically every time they say their name.

Why go for the silly route? Because our brains are wired to latch onto the unusual. The more exaggerated or strange the image, the more likely it is to stick.

Repeat It—Over and Over

Finally, repeat the name again and again. This step strengthens memory over time. Say the name during the conversation, then later in the day, and again the next morning.

If you keep doing that once a week or once a month, the name sticks long-term.

Final Words

A name might go in one ear and slip away before it sticks. Even when you try, distractions can get in the way. Later, when it’s time to recall the name, there’s often nothing there to grab.

Saying the name out loud, making a fun mental image, or using mindfulness to stay focused can really help. It won’t fix everything, but it helps. The goal here is to find small tools that make everyday moments feel a little easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s “anomia”?

Anomia is when you can’t think of the name for something, even though you know what it is. It’s common and can happen with people, places, or objects.

What if I forget someone’s name in a conversation?

It’s okay to politely ask again. Many people forget names. Being honest shows you care.

When should I get help for memory problems?

If it’s affecting your work, social life, or confidence, it’s a good idea to talk to a speech-language pathologist or other professional.

How can therapy help with name recall?

Therapists can teach you memory tricks, help you build focus, and work on strategies that make word-finding easier and less stressful.