10 dad names popular in the 1980s are dying out

Daily Record

21 hours ago

Etsy has listed the top ten 'Dad names' that are dying out - and the ones that Brits most want to save from extinction, with Steve topping the list
Ten traditional 'dad names' are on the brink of extinction, with fewer parents choosing them for their newborns, according to new research. Names that were once popular in the 80s and 90s are now at risk of disappearing.
Etsy has compiled a list of the top ten 'Dad names' that are fading away – and those that Brits are most keen to preserve. Steve tops the list of names falling out of use, followed by Colin and Craig.
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Names such as Roger, Tyrone, and Phil are also becoming less common, with fewer than 10 babies given these names in 2024. In contrast, 'grandma names' are enjoying a revival as their male equivalents continue to wane in popularity.
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Etsy says Brits are 25% more likely to name their baby after their grandmother rather than their grandfather, and 59% agree that grandad names (Edwin, Osmond, Vincent) are currently not as trendy as grandma names (Mabel, Betty, Gigi).
In the run-up to Father's Day, Etsy is teaming up with a selection of sellers to offer a 50% discount on selected products when personalised with one of the top 10 near-extinct names, in an effort to keep these once-popular 'Dad names' alive, reports Wales Online.
The research indicates that certain baby names can be off-putting. Whether they're too common, overused, or if a friend has already chosen the name for their child, many factors influence the decision, they say.
Furthermore, with nearly half of Brits saying they'd opt for a unisex name for their child, we may start to see a rise in gender-neutral names in the future, Etsy reports. A list of names that are on the brink of extinction has been revealed, with fewer than 20 babies receiving them last year.
Steve
Colin
Craig
Derek
Gareth
Tyrone
Phil
Sameer
Roger
SJ Strum, author of 'Baby Name Envy', said: "Name trends are constantly evolving over time, and these names in particular have seen a big decline in recent years. Notably, many of these we often think of as 'Dad' names, as a result of them being so popular in the 80s and 90s. Now, new parents are searching for more playful and creative names that have unique meanings. We're also seeing an 'upcycling' trend emerge, with more people putting a twist on traditional names. For example, 'Steve', which was once popular for men, is now being adapted to 'Stevie' for a baby girl."
Dayna Isom Johnson, Etsy's Trend Expert, said: "With over half (57%) thinking the near-extinct male names may see a resurgence in the future , it's clear many want to see them live on. As the destination for personalised gifts, to lend a helping hand this Father's Day, we're helping keep these names alive for generations to come. Head to Etsy's website now and help protect these names by buying the special Gareth in your life a personalised playing card box, or an engraved leather bookmark."