Research has revealed the 10 names that are most likely to disappear in the UK next year – and some of them are very common.
While vintage and older names have seen a recent surge in popularity, not all are enjoying the same trend. In fact, several older names are predicted to vanish from England and Wales next year.
Research from Nuby, a company specialising in branded baby accessories, reveals 10 names that are rapidly fading.
After analysing 25 years of data from the Office of National Statistics, the team observed: “From our research we can see parents today are looking for baby names that feel modern and timeless; names that may remind people of older generations are being chosen less and less.”
The experts further noted: “Popularity of these names is forever changing, and can be influenced hugely by pop culture moments and popular TV shows.”
Topping the list of names most likely to become extinct is Sheldon, with only three babies named so in 2024. This represents a massive 94% drop since its peak in 1996.
Following closely is Giles, which also had three registrations last year and has seen a 93% drop in popularity since its peak in 1997, reports the Express.
The third name predicted to disappear next year is Karen – the first girl’s name on the list.
Only four babies were registered with this name in the UK in 2024, marking a 95% drop in popularity from its peak in 1996.
Other male names experiencing a significant decline include Derek, Craig, Tyrone, Gareth and Steven, all of which were once very popular.
The sitcom Friends had a significant impact on baby names in pop culture.
For instance, the name Monica, which reached its peak in 1997, has seen a steep drop, with only 22 registrations in 2024 and is predicted to become extinct by 2027. The name Ross has already vanished from UK nurseries, with no registrations in 2024.
The 10 names most at risk of disappearing in the UK are:
- Sheldon
- Giles
- Karen
- Jazmin
- Aled
- Akshay
- Barry
- Carwyn
- Karis
- Lyndon