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Baby names

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

Original poster

Classic names that are currently underused

67 replies

HoneyandRum · 23/06/2013 19:37

It's mostly boys names that come to mind

Mark
Matthew
Luke
John (all the Gospel writers then!)
Jonathan
Paul
Stephen
Gregory
Peter
Andrew
Philip

Mary

Oh I've realised that my list is all made up of names with a history in the Christian tradition so that might explain why, with the decline in church attendance? Would that really be a reason or is it purely fashion?

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Original poster
HoneyandRum · 23/06/2013 20:47

Bowlersarm interesting, you rarely see them mentioned on MN so maybe MN is not very representative? I lived in the US for many years and Matthew always had a good showing there.

OP posts:
toomuchpink · 23/06/2013 20:46

I've noticed Sarah has vanished from popular usage too. I really liked it as a name when I was growing up.

Coconutty · 23/06/2013 20:46

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Original poster
HoneyandRum · 23/06/2013 20:45

Gordon

OP posts:
Bowlersarm · 23/06/2013 20:44

I think you're definitely wrong with Matthew and Luke. I know a lot of under 10's. is it regional? I would say they are popular names for baby boys.

Original poster
HoneyandRum · 23/06/2013 20:44

I actually like Terence and Terry as a nn! [hides under table]

OP posts:
Original poster
HoneyandRum · 23/06/2013 20:42

Susan
Judith

OP posts:
RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 23/06/2013 20:41

Simon
Terence
Jeremy
Julian
David
Andrew
Gideon
Roland

All due a revival imvho. :)

Original poster
HoneyandRum · 23/06/2013 20:38

Daphne is making a comeback, I have met Daphne's under 5.

Teresa?

OP posts:
YoungBritishPissArtist · 23/06/2013 20:36

Daphne

Original poster
HoneyandRum · 23/06/2013 20:34

Nicola I see as more a 70s/80s fashion name for girls. In the 90s Nicole took it's place.

OP posts:
MortifiedAdams · 23/06/2013 20:28

Rebecca
Sarah
Gemma
Nicola
Gillian

All names no longer given to babies.

Original poster
HoneyandRum · 23/06/2013 20:25

Ok here's more

Boys

Rufus
Zachary
Clement
Barnabas

Girls

Julia
Damaris
Talitha
Tabitha
Phebe
Sapphira
Magdala

Although many have always been more unusual than something like Mary and Philip.

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Original poster
HoneyandRum · 23/06/2013 20:14

New Testament Names that are in

Gabriel
Nathaniel
Lydia
Thomas

Any more?

OP posts:
Rhubarbgarden · 23/06/2013 20:09

Actually yes that's true. Clearly old testament is in, new testament is out.

Original poster
HoneyandRum · 23/06/2013 20:06

Seems like they are mostly Old Testament names (or Jewish Holy book names), New Testament out of fashion?

OP posts:
Rhubarbgarden · 23/06/2013 20:02

I very much doubt the Christian origins of these names have anything to do with their fall in popularity. Just look at the current trendiness of overtly religious names like Noah, Seth, Elijah, Ezekial, Malachi, Jude, Isaac... and so on. It's just fashion.

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