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Original poster

Has Ethan been done to death?

41 replies

Foxtrot101 · 23/09/2022 07:50

I've liked the name Ethan for as long as I can remember but then went off it when there seemed to be Ethan's everywhere. Everyone I know, knows an Ethan! On this basis it was discounted for DS1. Now we are due with DS2 and struggling for a name we both love, DH brought up Ethan last night and I thought maybe I need to revisit it.
I like that it's a name people know and can spell and that wears well on a child, teen and adult. But the huge flipside for me is that it's one of those names now that just bores people because there have been so many.
Thoughts?

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Original poster
Foxtrot101 · 23/09/2022 09:13

Thanks for my feedback. My other thought is that it's a bit dated, and the comments here do seem to indicate that it had its peak maybe 10-20 years ago. My niece is 10 and has a few Ethan friends from school...
I did also consider Ewan, I really like it, but my DH keeps saying "you and who?" so that's a no!
Nathan I'm in the fence about...

OP posts:
StopFeckingFaffing · 23/09/2022 09:04

I know one who is 14 but would not say it is hugely popular or overused

I doubt it has ever been in the top 10

I quite like it

ILoveShula · 23/09/2022 09:02

It's fine. I prefer it to Nathan. I think it's one of those safe names that people like, and not likely to date badly. It's a name that will suit any age group.

mrsm43s · 23/09/2022 08:57

Lilacsunflowers · 23/09/2022 08:47

It feels a little dated.

I agree with this. I think it had a sharp rise in popularity about 15-20 years ago, but is now on the decline, and now seems a bit dated. There seem to be lots of Ethans in year 7/8, and lots that left sixth form in the last year or two, but few baby or toddler Ethans around. That said, it's a perfectly good name, and if you like it, then go for it.

LightHousePanda · 23/09/2022 08:56

I don't think I've ever met an Ethan but I guess it depends where you are. I associate it with the 90s as there were quite a few characters in films and tv with that name but it's not so attached that it would be odd to have it now. I like the name.

Lilacsunflowers · 23/09/2022 08:47

It feels a little dated.

girlmom21 · 23/09/2022 08:43

I don't think it's that popular where we are. I don't know of anyone called Ethan under 10.

pilates · 23/09/2022 08:38

It’s not that popular.

I have only known two (different ages) in the last 18 years.

JenniferBarkley · 23/09/2022 08:32

I know one who's 13 and then there were two in DD's preschool class last year so I do think it's popular but not to the extent it would put me off. It's not like with girls' names the way there's a load of Evie/Ava/Ellie type names that kind of blend into one if that makes any sense. The popular boys' names all seem a bit more distinct from each other.

Surelyitscoffeetime · 23/09/2022 08:15

DS has one in his class. Can you cope with it being pronounced ‘Eefun’?

SalviaOfficinalis · 23/09/2022 08:08

I’ve never met an Ethan, it’s grown in popularity but I don’t think it’s overused.

If you really love it, don’t overthink it, just use it.

Personally I prefer Nathan.

Purplemoons2827 · 23/09/2022 08:05

We only know one Ethan, I think it’s a nice name. I definitely wouldn’t say it bores me. If it was Oliver, Alfie or Theo, I would say probably don’t, but Ethan isn’t overused at all I don’t think.

Battybonkers · 23/09/2022 08:01

we have a few Ethan’s at nursery/ play group but not nearly as many as Charlie and Alfie! What about something similar but less common like Ewan?

Whinge · 23/09/2022 07:52

I guess it depnds on where you live. I work in a school, and over the last 5 years we've only had one Ethan.

Maireas · 23/09/2022 07:51

It is popular, but if you like it, use it. It's certainly not as ubiquitous as Teddy.

KangarooKenny · 23/09/2022 07:51

I like it. I work in schools and I can’t say that it’s a name I’m aware of a lot.