SJ Strum has shared that it may be better to look at the past for baby name inspiration, rather than making up weird and wonderful names. And these ones are making a comeback
If you’re thinking about using a weird and wonderful moniker for your little one, you may want to reconsider. That’s because according to baby name expert SJ Strum, vintage names are making a comeback.
The parenting guru, who gives baby name advice on TikTok and on ITV’s This Morning’, revealed that many mums and dads want their kids to stand out from the crowd. She previously told The Mirror that in 2026, we should expect to see more whimsical names, gender neutral names, and succession chic-style names, as parents desperately try to choose something a bit different, but not ostentatious.
But it could be the vintage names that reign supreme, although she did note that they can often be “polarising”. She revealed: “Parents love a unique name, often asking me to find a name that ‘no one in their class will share’.
“It seems like a hangover from our own names like Vicky, Louise and Katie, Ben, James or Dave – being so common, it was hard to feel like we ‘owned’ our name.
“Plus we’re raising our children in a world that is much more open to celebrating our differences, finding our individuality and where standing out is a step to success in an increasingly online world where being ‘discoverable’ in an online search is the new ‘it’s not what you know, it’s who you know’.
“Now ‘it’s not what you know, it’s who you know, and how quickly you come up in their preliminary Google search’.
“However unique names certainly don’t have to be modern, fast-fashion or invented. Going further back in time we can dig out some rare vintage gems that just like Capri Pants and Victorian lace tops are set to their revival in the name charts”.
Wondering which classic names to go for? Thankfully, SJ has shared some examples below.
Vintage gold
If you want to go down the classic route, these 12 baby names could be a good staring point…
- Alma
- Mavis
- Sybil
- Hyacinth
- Opal
- Vera
- Hector
- Wilbur
- Maurice
- Redvers
- Gilbert
- Augustus
Male nicknames for girls
Wondering where all the Nineties boy names have gone? They’ve taken a leap into our girl charts as thoroughly modern, trendy new nicknames that are fun and playful.
- Lennie
- Stevie
- Bertie
- Bobby
- Andie
- Billie
- Kit
Vintage nicknames as first names – an upcycled vintage trend
Some vintage names can feel a bit stern for a modern parent who prefers a more light-hearted and spirited moniker for their baby.
So we’re seeing the boom continue for vintage nicknames as first names, following Millie and Theo, we’re getting more creative with this trend.
Why not consider the following…
- Lola
- Gigi
- Nell
- Peggy
- Winnie
- Joanie
- Auggie
- Howie
- Teddy
- Dougie
- Jonty
SJ Strum’s new book ‘Baby Name Envy’ can be bought from Amazon now.
