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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

I'll eat my hat if that name comes back!

390 replies

AllieW · 18/12/2010 12:16

There are some names which I've been quite surprised to see returning. For example, Edith was my granny's name. Much as I loved her, I was never keen on the name and can only presume the little Ediths now arriving are due to the Radio 1 DJ or something.

Are there any names which would surprise you if they were revived? For me, the list might include:

Girls

Doris
Ermyntrude
Gertrude

Boys

Arnold
Herbert
Roderick

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PureBloodMuggle · 19/12/2010 08:47

I've a Ray (kind of he's officially Raymond not call Ray but a more childish version I'm sure he'll end up Ray though - maybe - that or Mund Grin)

I'm reading this with interest so i can pick the one I'm expecting name. A very useful thread!!! Wink

Ooh and I know an Enid (she's 4) first heard it I did think 'well haven't heard that since Enid Blyton'. But I like it!!

Fanny and Gaylord are ones that I think are definitely not making a come back - unless the English language makes an another change

ThistleWhistle · 19/12/2010 08:43

I know a baby Jeremy.

Georgimama · 19/12/2010 07:05
Angry

There is nothing wrong with the name Helen

KenDoddsDadsDogEatsTinsel · 19/12/2010 07:03

There are a couple of Nell/ Nellies up here. A sleb used it fairly recently but can't remember which one!

elvisgirl · 19/12/2010 06:50

Nell, or Nellie, for a girl. It was my nana's name.

Ray is on my list for DC2. DS1 is Seymour. Haven't heard of another in everyday life yet, young or old.

GuardianMummy · 19/12/2010 06:21

My son (17 months) is Oscar Herbert but we have always thought of him more as Oscar Herbie as it is a family name - he is named after one of his paternal great-grandfathers. I love Herbie! In fact, I have recently had another baby and, if it was a boy, we were a bit annoyed we'd used Herbie for Oscar as considered it a lovely first name for our second child. Not to worry though - she was a girl!

I agree with nooka though...........it's all about generations isn't it? 70s names seem boring/normal to us but, to our children, they will seem retro and a bit cool so watch out as all the currently little Alfie, Lily, Molly and Graces start to call their children Samantha, Helen, Michelle etc!

Smile
nooka · 19/12/2010 04:06

I think that most of these names will come back, once they become the names of new parent's grandparents. So it's unlikely anyone who was born in the 70s or whose parents/uncles and aunts were born in the 70s will use 70s names, but I bet that the next generation will.

Many of the names that people happily use now I can't imagine using myself (my children are 10 and 11) but that doesn't mean they aren't good names, they just have the wrong associations for me.

lilyliz · 19/12/2010 01:12

can't imagine any other Ethels,Sengas or Agnes and for boys Percy or Percival.

thereisalightanditnevergoesout · 19/12/2010 01:08

DH's middle name is Neville. I hope that never comes back.

I'd like to like Ray - it was my Grandad's name - but I just can't.

I can't imagine Gladys or Joyce coming back - but until recently, I felt the same about Phyllis (my Grandma's name) and I think that's growing on me.

I know a Brian (about 17) and a Scott (about 3).

doley · 19/12/2010 01:04

StarExpat :)

Barney is sometimes used in the UK to mean an argument,kind of old -fashioned now though !

I am in the States at the mo ,this thread is interesting for me as the names popular here are different (who would guess lol )

There are quite a few kids with the name Valerie and Samantha in my son's school .

My 2 younger kids have unusual/old fashioned names ,but I am keeping Mum lol !

I will never be able to deal with the name' Fanny' ,I have enough difficulty with my MIL laughing and telling me my daughter has fallen on her FANNY !!!!!!

I am still a teen at heart Wink

1944girl · 19/12/2010 00:32

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Dreya · 19/12/2010 00:24

My Nan is a Maureen too. My mum is Mary but as she went to an all girls Catholic school there were many in her class so she used her middle name, Philomena. I have never met or even heard of another one. I am 34 and at school there were about 7/8 girls called Kelly in my year. I don't know any under 30....

Breezy1985 · 19/12/2010 00:02

I know a 6 month old Herbert.

My nan is Maureen, my dad is Nigel and my 3yo sister is Lydia and have a Auntie Sharon :)

My DS's middle name is Roy but he tells everyone it's Royston Grin

PocketMouse · 18/12/2010 23:34

I know a Sid! I never thought that name would come back.

FrustratedHippy · 18/12/2010 23:23

Barbara is cute!! Doreen - Rene - My nanny hadt wo Rene friends and I love it!

chaya5738 · 18/12/2010 23:16

Barbara
Maureen
Doreen

asdx2 · 18/12/2010 23:04

Vaughan awful name but went to school with a boy with this name.

LaundryFairy · 18/12/2010 23:02

Blanche (my step-grandmother) horrid person

bartuki · 18/12/2010 23:01

Fanny Smile

FrustratedHippy · 18/12/2010 22:55

Hortense one of my fave ever names

asdx2 · 18/12/2010 22:52

What about Victor? Not heard of that name in ages or Royston? Ida and Ena seem to have vanished as well.

Whoamireally · 18/12/2010 22:44

Lorraine

conkertree · 18/12/2010 22:44

Heard a mum call to her wee boy in the street today and he was called Dudley. Hadn't heard that name for a while.

KangarooCaught · 18/12/2010 22:36

sorry, Gypsy

KangarooCaught · 18/12/2010 22:35

Ooh, I know a 12yr old Claude and also a Gypsey.

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