Latest news with #BabyNameEnvy
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Britain's least popular boys names revealed, so is yours one of them?
A baby name expert has revealed the least popular boys names in the country - including classics that are dying out. Baby name consultant SJ Strum claims that traditional British names are dying out, with parents increasingly adding 'modern twists' on conventional monikers instead. The name Roger - which has German heritage - was among some of the most disliked baby names in England and Wales. Less than ten babies were given the name by their parents or guardians in 2024, despite it being hugely popular in the past, according to research by Etsy. It's also bad news for Phils and Wolfgangs - which were both unpopular names last year. Other names on the list are Steve, Colin and Craig, while Derek, Gareth and Tyrone shortly followed behind as some of the most disliked male name options for new parents. SJ Strum author of Baby Name Envy, told the Metro: '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.' Etsy's research found that parents can be 'put off' by certain baby names if they are overused or if a friend has already taken it to name their child. The company also found that Brits are 25 per cent more likely to name their baby after their grandmother rather than their grandfather. Donald, Barry, Bill, Dale, Gordon, and Esteban are other monikers that parents have fallen out of love with, according to the language learning software Babbel. The company analysed all the baby names recorded between 1914 and 1994 in the UK and reported the monikers that haven't made the cut since the mid 90s. Nigel, Melvyn, Norman, Rodney, Trevor, and Horace are also proving to be very unpopular choices. Instead, mothers and fathers are now choosing to name their sons Muhammad, Luca and Bodhi. Muhammad was crowned the most popular baby name for boys in England and Wales in 2023, with over 4,600 namings. Luca was the biggest gainer year-on-year in 2023 versus the year prior, growing from 2,625 namings to 3,195. Of the top 100 names given to boys, Bodhi saw the highest one year leap. It jumped from 637th to 100th. It comes after an expectant mother who named her first child after a videogame character has admitted she 'hates' the moniker and now 'cringes' whenever she hears it. A woman, believed to be from the US, took to social media to express her regret after 'going along' with her husband's choice to name their first born son after a fictional character. Now expecting her second child, the mother confessed she 'desperately wishes' she had turned down his suggestion four years ago, adding that she had only agreed at the time because she didn't have a moniker of her own in mind. Taking to Reddit, she wrote: 'Currently pregnant with a baby girl due in the summer and so me and my husband are the in the middle of choosing a name for her.' It was only when the two began searching for a girl's name that it 'really hit' how much she despised the title. She explained: 'While in the search for a girl name it has really hit me how much I hate my four-year-old son's name. 'His name was chosen by my husband and because I didn't have a name I really liked we went with his favourite choice.' Inspired by one character in the online fantasy game, Huge Mortal Kombat, her husband suggested they name their son Raiden. Continuing, she wrote: 'My son's name is Raiden. Yes, I know! 'And on top of that we aren't huge mortal kombat fans either! My husband just feels it sounds 'badass' and I desperately wish I would've said no four years ago but here we are. 'I cringe whenever I hear any 'ayden/aiden's' out in the world knowing we contributed to that stupid trend.' In an attempt to bypass the 'cringe' sound in the latter part of the moniker, the mother admitting to calling their son 'Ray. 'When we meet people I tell them his name is Raiden but we call him Ray,' she said. So upset by the name, she asked Redditors whether it would be 'ridiculous' to legally change the four-year-old's moniker. 'Would it be ridiculous to change his legal name to Ray at this point? 'Is the name Raiden as awful as I think it is? Help,' she asked desperately. The poster added that her husband was convinced she was being 'dramatic' in calling it 'awful', and that he was still fond Raiden. 'He feels we should let our son decide if he likes it or not but he's willing to change it to Ray since I've been expressing how much I dislike it,' she said. She questioned whether her sudden dislike for the moniker was related to being pregnant. 'I can see me being dramatic about it right now,' she said. Many of those responding did not take kindly to the unique name, with one even describing it as a 'cautionary tale' to never use the reasoning of 'it sounds badass' to name a baby. One replied: 'The honest answer is yeah, Raiden is as awful as you think it is. It has violent connotations, and also sounds like radioactive gas. 'Sorry. Keep calling him Ray, that's gorgeous! I'd just introduce him as that from now on and leave the rest out.' 'Your husband is not allowed to name your daughter,' a second joked. 'It's absolutely ok to keep using Ray and not tell anyone your son's full name unless they need to know (teachers, pediatrician, etc),' a third responded, adding that they thought it was 'fine to legally change his name to Ray'. 'Raiden is very bad, but you did well to choose a name with a solid nickname. Don't be too hard on yourself,' they reasoned. Despite disliking the name, few thought it was a good idea to change it. 'At this point, it's not your name anymore. He's not a cat that you can just rename. It doesn't matter if you regret his name, his name is Raiden,' a commenter lamented. A teacher, familiar with a broad spectrum of names, said the moniker wasn't 'great' but reassured the poster that it wasn't 'the worst name I've seen'. Another had a more optimistic take on the name. 'I am biased because I'm obviously a Mortal Kombat fan but I think it's cool lol. Just leave him. Raiden is also the Japanese thunder god.' An agreeing second wrote: 'I like it too! Don't know what it says about me that I agree with the husband's initial thought that it sounds 'badass'.'
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
10 dad names popular in the 1980s are dying out
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. 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. 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."
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Bad news for Phils, Steves and Dereks as dad names are dying out
Fewer than 10 babies were handed some of the most popular names of the 80s and 90s last year A list of 'dad names' that were popular for babies in the 80s and 90s are now at risk of dying out in the UK as fewer than 20 babies were handed them last year. A UK baby name expert has listed names we may stop seeing altogether in the next few years as a trend for even older names - and gender neutral names - takes over. Names like Steve, Colin and Craig top the list of those dying out - followed by Roger, Tyrone, and Phil are also on the way out, with less than 10 babies given these names in 2024. But 'grandma names' are experiencing a resurgence, with Brits 25% more likely to name their baby after their grandma rather than their grandpa, and grandad names like Edwin, Osmond, Vincent currently not seen as cool as grandma names like Mabel, Betty or Gigi. The research shows we can be 'put off' by certain baby names. Whether it be too common or overused or if a friend already chose the name for their child, there are many factors which play a part in the decision. Plus, with close to half of Brits saying they'd choose a unisex name for their child, the nation may start to see an increase in gender neutral names in the coming years. There is a list of names that look set to die out as fewer than 20 babies were given them last year. 'Dad' names at risk of extinction according to UK baby name consultant, SJ Strum: 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.' Ahead of Father's Day, Etsy is partnering with a selection of sellers to offer a 50% discount on select products when personalised with one of the top 10 near-extinct names, to help these once-popular 'Dad names' live on. 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.' Shoppers can visit the campaign landing page here to browse Etsy shops offering the 50% discount.
Wales Online
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
10 'dad names' popular in 80s dying out as almost no babies get them
10 'dad names' popular in 80s dying out as almost no babies get them Fewer than 20 parents picked names like Phil and Steve for their children last year Dad holding his baby boy Ten 'dad names' are dying out with fewer and fewer people giving them to their babies, experts have said, as names once popular for children in the 80s and 90s look set to go extinct. 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, followed by Colin and Craig. The likes of Roger, Tyrone, and Phil are also on the way out, with less than 10 babies given these names in 2024. Meanwhile, 'grandma names' are experiencing a resurgence as their male counterparts continue to decline in popularity, with Brits 25% more likely to name their baby after their grandma rather than their grandpa, and 59% agreeing that grandad names (Edwin, Osmond, Vincent) are currently not as cool as grandma names (Mabel, Betty, Gigi). Ahead of Father's Day, Etsy is partnering with a selection of sellers to offer a 50% discount on select products when personalised with one of the top 10 near-extinct names, to help these once-popular 'Dad names' live on. The research shows we can be 'put off' by certain baby names. Whether it be too common or overused or if a friend already chose the name for their child, there are many factors which play a part in the decision. Plus, with close to half of Brits saying they'd choose a unisex name for their child, the nation may start to see an increase in gender neutral names in the coming years. There is a list of names that look set to die out as fewer than 20 babies were given them last year. Article continues below 'Dad' names at risk of extinction according to UK baby name consultant, SJ Strum: 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.' Article continues below 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.' Shoppers can visit the campaign landing page here to browse Etsy shops offering the 50% discount.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
9 old-fashioned baby names as Dame Laura Kenny takes vintage inspiration for her newborn
The Olympic cyclist has revealed the family inspiration behind her baby daughter's name Dame Laura Kenny and her husband, fellow Olympic cyclist Jason Kenny, have welcomed their third child – a girl – and simultaneously shared her vintage-inspired baby name. Kenny, who has been open about her fertility struggles in the past, posted a photo of her sons, Albie and Monty, with their newborn sister on social media. "Three's the magic number," she captioned the image. "Lilian Joyce Kenny Born on 4/5/25 at 10.44am. Weighing 8.0lbs." Explaining that the name was inspired by both her and her husband's grandmothers, she continued: "There was only ever one name we had in mind for a daughter. A mix of both our Nans' names," she wrote. "Our beautiful little family is complete". Kenny, 33, is Britain's most successful female British Olympian with five gold and three silver medals, while former track cyclist Jason, 37, is the most successful male British Olympian, with seven golds and two silvers. The Kennys aren't the only family to choose a vintage-inspired name for their daughter. Lily Allen has daughters named Ethel and Marnie, comedian Katherine Ryan's oldest child is Violet, and fellow comic Josh Widdicombe named his daughter Pearl. Some of the most popular baby names in England and Wales also hark back to previous times, with Florence, Elsie and Maeve all in the top 100. Why are old-fashioned baby names so popular? Baby naming expert SJ Strum, author of upcoming book Baby Name Envy, says that vintage name choices are having "a huge boom" at the moment, with many "coming back into style after a 100-year hiatus". "They're popular, as going further back in time means we don't have those name associations from our own peer group," she tells Yahoo UK. "They also combine that criteria of being a classic name that now sounds unique and fresh." If you're not sure where to start when it comes to retro names, Strum says looking through your family tree is a wonderful way to find one that has meaning for you. Take inspiration from your family tree when naming your baby, suggests an expert. (Getty Images) Old-fashioned baby name ideas for girls Margot Maybe it's thanks to actor Margot Robbie, or perhaps it's just a great choice — either way, the name Margot has been rising in popularity over recent years. The French name, meaning 'pearl' was given to 215 more baby girls in 2023 – the most recent year the Office of National Statistics (ONS) has records for – than 2022. Vera If you're looking for a less popular retro name, Strum explains "it's a top tip to view names from a modern lens". "For example, Vera is a wonderfully modern twist on the popular name Evie but is less likely to be shared by your child's peers," she says. The name Vera is of Slavic origin and means 'faith' and 'true'. Maggie Choosing the diminutive of a popular old-fashioned name is a great way to bring it up to date. For example, Margaret, which website Nameberry says has Greek origins and means 'pearl', can be shortened to Maggie, Meg or Peggy. Florence Currently the eighth most popular girls' name in England and Wales, Florence has a number of nicknames including Flossy and Flo. Derived from the Latin word 'florens' it means 'blossoming', 'flourishing' and 'prosperous', all wonderful assets for your newborn. Back in 1904, the first year ONS records began, Florence was the second most popular girls' name after Mary. Alma Alma is another recommendation from Strum. She says it's a less-common twist on the name Amelia, currently the second most popular girls' name in England and Wales. With Latin and Spanish roots, Alma can mean 'nourishing' or 'soul'. Elsie The fourth most popular girls' name back in 1904, Elsie is having a bit of a comeback. It's been chosen by celebrities including comedian Jack Whitehall and actor Zooey Deschenal and is now the fourteenth most popular girls' name in England and Wales. Of Hebrew and English origin it means 'pledged to God'. If you want a longer name to give your child more choice when they get older, it can also be used as a diminutive of Elizabeth and Elsbeth. Nellie Chosen by TOWIE alumni Billie Faiers for her oldest child, Zoe Ball also has a daughter with the alternative spelling 'Nelly'. Nellie can be used as a nickname for Helen, Eleanor or Cornelia. It's said to be of English origin and has the beautiful meaning 'light'. Nancy Naming site The Bump says Nancy has Middle English, Hebrew and Greek origins and means 'grace' or 'favoured'. It can be used as a name in its own right or a nickname for Anne or Agnes. It also has a bit of a rebellious edge – think notorious punk couple Sid and Nancy. Olive An old-fashioned name that sounds thoroughly modern, with its links to the fruit, Olive evokes thoughts of Mediterranean holidays and sunshine. It's also a more unusual spin on Olivia, which has been the most popular girls' name since 2016. Read more about baby names:
