Baby names that have stood the test of time for 100 years - full list of classic monikers
Some names have managed to cling to their popularity over the last century, with the likes of George and Elizabeth still proving to be a firm-favourite with parents
Baby names that have endured for 100 years - see the full list. Gwendoline's or Bessie's are not common in classrooms anymore, but some names have managed to maintain their popularity.
Over the past century, we've witnessed numerous baby name trends come and go, often influenced by popular culture and Hollywood (we're looking at you, Barbie). However, there are certain names that continue to be a favorite and are frequently passed down through generations.
Typically associated with the Bible or monarchy, it is primarily male names that have retained popularity over the last century. In fact, only two female names appear in the top 15.
So, let's examine if your name has stood the test of time...
READ MORE: ‘My mother-in-law talked my husband into changing our son’s name while I was sleeping’
Most popular UK baby names (from 1921-2021)
- Alexander
- Charles
- Daniel
- David
- Edward
- Elizabeth
- George
- James
- Joseph
- Michael
- Mohammed
- Robert
- Sarah
- Thomas
- William
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The data, obtained from the Office for National Statistics and analyzed by My Nametags, also shows an increasing trend in 'nicknames' being used as full names. For instance, while Alexander tops the charts, the nickname 'Alex' began gaining popularity in the 80s.
A similar pattern can be seen with Anthony, Daniel, Joshua - whose nicknames (Tony, Danny, and Josh) have started to emerge as standalone names. In the 1920s, only three nicknames appeared in the top 100 boys' name chart: Harry, Roy, and Fred.
But, by 2010, there were 15 nicknames on the list, including Teddy, Ollie, and Freddie.
In comments reported by Oxford Mail, Lars B. Andersen of My Nametags noted: "It's interesting to see that, whilst traditional monikers like Elizabeth and George are maintaining their charm, names in general are becoming more diverse as parents favour less formal options, and increasingly take inspiration from popular culture."
The expert highlights the name Maeve, propelled into the top 100 chart back in 2020 due to Sex Education's admired Netflix character, Maeve Wiley. "As popular culture continues to have a wider social impact, we expect this trend to grow, leading to an even broader range of names in the UK," added Andersen.
In comments reported by Oxford Mail, Lars B. Andersen of My Nametags noted: "It's interesting to see that, whilst traditional monikers like Elizabeth and George are maintaining their charm, names in general are becoming more diverse as parents favour less formal options, and increasingly take inspiration from popular culture."
