Why have the more elegant old fashioned names not come back round?

[Greythorne]

The old fashioned names which are back in fashion tend to be "cheeky chappy" names and scullary maid names (charlie, freddie, archie, alfie, tilly, molly, grace, evie, ruby, lily etc.)

Any ideas why the more elgant old fashioned names have yet to make a comeback?
Laurence
Julian
Byron
Edgar
Victor
Francis
Evelyn
Oswald

Clarissa
Camilla
Verity
Rosalind
Constance

I have a Laurence and like most of the names on your list so yes, I'm not sure why they are not more popular

It's strange which names 'come back' but I think it's about fashion and I'm not sure which way it's headed now it may be that these names will be bypassed in favour of the next round of Sarah's and Kevin's...

I know a 20 year old Verity, and two old women called Frances (gorgeous name, may use it myself if we have a girl next time).

We love Dennis for our little boy but it hasn't come back yet! I kinda wish it would though as we love it but we don't want people to think its strange

In no mans midlands we have all of them....

Someone upthread said they know Laurences who are 60, 22 and 3. It's one of those names that's never been "in" or "out" really, and those are the best names imo.

"We love Dennis for our little boy but it hasn't come back yet! I kinda wish it would though as we love it but we don't want people to think its strange"

Any name will become normal once it is attached to a lovely child. Honestly. And you don't need to wait for a name to be 'trendy' - trendy names tend to become fashionable, overused and then fall out of favour again. Go for Dennis if you love it!

Laurence is a girls' name in France, the female version of Laurent. Like Florence and Florent.

I prefer Lawrence for a boy. But yes, a nice classic name.

I don't count Grace in the same bracket as the other names you've listed OP.

I like Martha (was my DGMs name), because of the bible story people think that has connotations of servitude and drudgery. I don't, I'm not religious and so the name for me forever will be associated with a vibrant and sparky lady. Will have to wait for dd2 though...

Martha & the Vandellas
Martha & the Muffins

.... nah, no drudgery there :)

Oooh I love Martha and the Vandellas, good thought kitten ;)

My dgd is Constance and I know a Verity and a Henrietta :) I also have a dgs named Francis [Frank for every day].

I thought that said "My dog is Constance and I also have dogs named Francis and Frank". Must get new glasses.

I think the key is to find a name you like (and agree on) and not worry too much about political connotations! I like sophisticated
That being said spelling is important - I've taught a few Kamrun, Eean, Sharlots and it does make you cringe :)

We chose formal names and nicknames. We wanted the DCs' names to last a lifetime. DCs are now in their teens. One still uses the nickname she was known by from birth, the other two now use their formal names.

I know two little Dennises so maybe it is coming back in.

Glad to see the Lawrence/Laurence love. I agree that it's timeless, I know one in his eighties, one in his fifties, one in his thirties and one 6mo (lying next to me). Had some strange comments though!