A recent surge in popularity has been observed for vintage and older names, but not all names are experiencing the same trend. According to research by Nuby, a company specializing in baby products, there are 10 names that are rapidly declining in England and Wales.
The study, which analyzed data from the Office of National Statistics spanning 25 years, found that parents are opting for names that feel both modern and timeless. Names associated with older generations are becoming less favored over time.
The research team highlighted that the popularity of names is subject to change, often influenced by pop culture phenomena and popular TV shows. At the top of the list of names facing extinction is Sheldon, with only three babies given that name in 2024, indicating a significant 94% decrease since its peak in 1996.
Following closely is Giles, which also had three registrations last year, showing a 93% decline in popularity since its peak in 1997. Karen, the first girl’s name on the list, is predicted to vanish next year with only four registrations in the UK in 2024, marking a 95% decrease from its peak in 1996.
Male names such as Derek, Craig, Tyrone, Gareth, and Steven are also experiencing a notable decline despite their past popularity. The influence of pop culture on baby names is evident, with sitcoms like Friends impacting naming trends. For example, Monica, which peaked in 1997, has seen a sharp decline with only 22 registrations in 2024 and is projected to become extinct by 2027. The name Ross has already disappeared from UK nurseries, with no registrations in 2024.