From Joan to Archie: These are the old-fashioned baby names making a comeback!

Virgin Radio

13 May 2022, 13:08

A line of babies

Credit: Getty

Expecting a little one soon? You might want to consider a name big from the 1920s. 

According to research by the historians at Findmypast (via MailOnline), our naming trends are cyclical, and so names from 100 years ago tend to come back into fashion. 

Not only is time a factor, but the royal family is also a major influence in what names are popular in any century. 

Mary McKee, Head of Content Publishing Operations at Findmypast, told the publication: “History always has a tendency to repeat itself and baby names are no exception.

“All roads point to Joan, as parents are increasingly look to name their baby girls after strong female historical figures. And who better to take inspiration from than Joan of Arc.

“When it comes to boys' names, these have a tendency of coming back into fashion but as their nickname equivalent - Frederick becomes Freddie, Archibald becomes Archie.”

The popular girl names used 100 years ago and expected to make a big comeback this year include Joan, Mary, Margaret, Dorothy, Gladys, Irene, Iris, Elsie, Ada and Mabel. 

The boy name list already features 2022 favourites with Archie and Arthur, but also has the likes of Ronald, Robert, Albert, Freddie, Edward, Ernest, Isaac and Harris on there too. 

While the royal trend is usually via marriages or births within that year, other parents are taking their name inspiration from royalty on the small screen. 

It seems like we all can't get enough of Bridgerton. The Regency-era romance has stolen hearts, and the Bridgerton family in particular with their alphabetical names has inspired many expectant parents.

The Edit by Silver Cross has shared the most popular names inspired by the show. It features many traditional names, as well as a few unusual ones.

The report examines the popularity over the last two decades, looking at data from right back in 1996 to the present day.

Charlotte takes the top spot for girls, and has always proven extremely popular.

Two names that have been less popular over the years include Portia and Philipa, which fans now think will become more popular thanks to the show.

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