Two baby name consultants have revealed the half-dozen names they believe are ‘old-fashioned’ and should be avoided by new parents when choosing a the perfect name for their newborn
Choosing a name that your newborn will happily use for the rest of their lives can be tricky, but two baby name consultants have shared six old-fashioned names that new parents might want to avoid.
British professional baby namer SJ Strum and Boston-based consultant Colleen Slagen have compiled a list of names they recommend to clients, but there are a select few they suggest bypassing.
Colleen advises against sturdy, old-school monikers like Linda, Karen, and Janet, which she believes are falling out of fashion, while SJ warns parents off what she terms “1990s norm-core dad names” such as Gary, Stuart, and Ian.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, SJ described pregnancy as “such a bamboozling time. She added that picking a name is just one of the overwhelming number of decisions expectant parents face. She believes that enlisting an expert to choose a baby’s name can transform the process into “one of the most joyous and bonding parts of your pregnancy.”
“Couples want a name that tells their story,” she says, delving into personal details such as hobbies, university studies, and where they first met to find the perfect fit.
SJ also mentioned receiving last-minute messages from delivery rooms, with parents desperate for naming assistance. She offers sage advice for resolving deadlocks when one parent is fixated on a name the other detests.
If your partner is fond of a boys’ name you simply cannot abide, SJ suggests claiming it’s the name of an ex. “That normally gets them off it pretty quick,” she reveals.
For those pondering what name to bestow upon a bouncing baby girl, sticking with the classics such as Olivia, Emma, Charlotte, or Sofia is a solid choice; James, Henry, Lucas, or William hold the same charm for boys.
On the other hand, SJ points out some fresh twists in naming trends: “‘Nature names are becoming popular: River is rising up the ranks. I’m also seeing a lot of whimsical names that hark back to virtues, such as Sage.”
Following the deaths of celebrities or other notable individuals, there’s a tendency for their names to surge in popularity, SJ says: “We saw lots of variations on Elizabeth after the late Queen passed away, and Bowie after David died in 2016.”
Before settling on a potential name, SJ stresses the importance of trying it out: “What does it feel like to say it out loud?”.
She underscores practical considerations with a personal anecdote: “Will you be asked to spell it in a coffee shop? I had a client who loved the name Persephone, but did the coffee shop test and decided it was far too much of a mouthful.”