Trendy things often cycle back into fashion if you give it enough time, and when it comes to baby names, that is no different – though apparently it can take a century for this to happen.
The 100 year rule suggests that names return to popularity long after their peak.
That means names like Eleanor, Dorothy and Raymond that were fashionable in the 1920s, are poised to gain popularity for babies born in the 2020s.
Name expert Sophie Kihm at Nameberry says it’s popular for babies names’ to take after ones that were popular in their great-grandparents’ generation. The unfortunate reason why, she explained, is that name trends only begin to feel fresh when the generation that previously had them are no longer with us.
As we previously reported, she said: “Trends come in cycles. Whether it’s fashion or beauty, what was once popular will come back in style again – and it’s no different with baby names.”
According to name expert Sophie, there’s a 100-year rule for names: those that seem uncool today are likely to regain popularity in the next century.
As surprising as it might sound, names like Brenda and Gary could see a resurge.
“Names tend to go out of fashion after they’ve been stylish for a while,” explained Sophie.
“Often, it can be measured in generations. Names tied to parents’ parents’ generation (the grandparents of the baby) are usually considered to be among the least fashionable choices one could use for a baby, like Brenda and Gary today.
“Once a name is on the decline, we expect it to follow the 100-year rule – names take about 100 years to come back into fashion. That means names of the great-grandparent generation are starting to sound fresh again.”
Applying the 100-year rule today, we might expect a rise in vintage names like Otis, Florence, Theodore, and Iris for the next generation.
However, the classic/traditional names, tend to always stay in fashion. “Names like James, Thomas, Henry, George, William, and Alexander have never left the top 30 in the England and Wales,” the pro notes.
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Additionally, royal names tend to maintain a stable popularity due to tradition, particularly among boys’ names. “Girl names were historically more ornamental, and thus more susceptible to trends”, adds Sophie.
If you’ve noticed a rise in children with vintage names like Otis, Florence, Theodore, and Iris, now you know the reason. These names seem unique because the generation that once embraced them has moved on. Each new generation of parents seeks to break away from the names favoured by their parents and grandparents.
Nowadays, parents are looking for names that feel fresh and modern, leading to a decline in popularity for names like Stephanie, Kieran, Ellen, and Tony—names commonly associated with parents and grandparents.
However, this trend suggests that these names will likely make a comeback in 100 years
What do you think of this vintage naming trend? Let us know in the comments.
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