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Baby names

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

Original poster

Most retro/dated name you've heard recently

463 replies

atthewelles · 09/01/2013 11:26

I heard a woman in the park calling her little girl Madge. I haven't heard that name in years and years. I also know of a little toddler called Sheila.

Just wondering if any of you know any children with names that you thought had died out completely.

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Nancy66 · 29/01/2013 11:59

I know of two Jeans born in last two years - both to very trendy, arty parents.

blushingm · 29/01/2013 01:00

Nigel!!!!

HoneyandRum · 28/01/2013 08:05

I love Percy and Reg, Ray has made a comeback in the states but you don't hear that so much in the UK.

Really Retro would be Phil, Mark and Wayne.

Trazzletoes · 28/01/2013 07:32

I know a Percival (Percy for short), Sidney and Kingsley.

Lovely names and they suit the children perfectly.

Locketjuice · 28/01/2013 07:30

I know a Brenda she's awful! Puts me off the name, also couldn't imagine a baby Blanche!

Esker · 28/01/2013 07:28

I haven't heard of anyone using this recently, but I recalled the name Brenda the other day- I cannot imagine anyone calling a child this today Shock

Locketjuice · 28/01/2013 07:25

Heard a baby Gordon yesterday!

Harrysmummysarah1 · 26/01/2013 22:36

My daughters Martha. In her class and year group is a:
Barbara
Gladys
Arthur
Patrick
Nancy
Then theirs the Oscars, Ethan's, Finley's, Olivia's, Ava's etc..

In dd2 nursery class there's a
Diana
Judith
Frank

Rhubarbgarden · 26/01/2013 22:31

My friend's sister has just had a Jonathan David. I think that's quite retro these days.

Bagofmashings · 26/01/2013 20:56

Percy Grin

MakesCakesWhenStressed · 26/01/2013 20:53

I know an Esther, Ivy, Violet, Martha, Stanley and a whole heap of Oscars all under 1.

Also a Ryan. Which is kind of 70s retro I think

Stixswhichtwizzle · 26/01/2013 20:47

I met a gorgeous toddler called Ivy at baby group.

Gimmeechocolate · 26/01/2013 16:54

I don't think most of the old names mentioned here are dated at all. I would say 50's, 60's and 70's names sound dated ie. Susan, Julie, Linda, Kevin, Paul etc Also those I went to school with such as Karen, Kerry, Claire and Louise would sound retro or dated for a baby, to me anyway!

I know a girl under 5 called Sandra and a boy called Jim. I've recently met a baby called Joan.

I love all the early 1900's names. I know Mabel, Florence, Arthur, Stanley, Monty, Ada, Iris, Edie, Reggie, Ronnie, Lottie, Elsie, Ruby, Seth.

Wandastartup · 26/01/2013 13:32

My daughters names are both on this list! I thought they were classic without being common. Maybe I am retro though...

LucieLucie · 26/01/2013 12:06

Recent baby names which literally made my teeth itch were;

Ruth
Ethel
Horace

Yuk!

Locketjuice · 26/01/2013 08:30

Couldn't have a Gilbert after watching what's eating Gilbert grape!

DonderandBlitzen · 26/01/2013 00:00

Not a name I have heard recently, but I'm reading a Malory Towers book to my dd (written 1946) and a Baby Daphne is mentioned. Daphne is a fab name, but not one you hear for a baby very often - or has it come round again?

NotGeoffVader · 25/01/2013 22:50

I also know of a baby Seth. I must say, it is a name I have always loathed! Thankfully I seldom see his mother. Her other children both have horrible names too!

MunchkinsMumof2 · 24/01/2013 15:05

Gilbert and Mabel are siblings aged 1 & 3.

DonderandBlitzen · 24/01/2013 13:37

So do I. Or at least I know his mum. I wonder if it is the same one in the Torquay area?

weaselm4 · 24/01/2013 11:53

I know an Isambard!

boschy · 24/01/2013 11:23

Trudie - there's a name I have not heard in many a long year... wonder if it's due a come back?

schplappo · 22/01/2013 18:49

Millicent - known as Milly
Violet - known as Letty
Algernon - known as Algy
Barbara
Jean

QueenOfCats · 22/01/2013 18:42

Ava - it's lovely Smile

For some reason I love the name Diane, and also Marlene!

littlemisstax · 22/01/2013 18:13

I know twins Judy & Ellen. It suits them.

Also know toddlers Sid and Dougal.