Classic names that are currently underused

[HoneyandRum]

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?

I know 3 Andrews under 5
2 Maria's
2 Michaels
3 Sarah's
1 Theresa
1 Mary
1 John
1 Raymond (both named after their Dad)
1 Brian

I bet Mary will soar in popularity soon (odds on favourite in my book for the royal baby)

Natalie
Catherine
Jennifer

Andrew
Christopher

Caroline
Patricia
Rose
Laura
Louisa
Jennifer
Rachael
Elsa/Elsie
Jayne
Harriet
Josephine
Susannah
Francine
Victoria
Helena
Eleanor
Thelma
Theodora
Felicity
Cecilia

I was going to say Mary too - where are they all?

Does anyone know any babies called Margaret? Seems to have completely disappeared.

I'd give Margaret another decade...

My Rebecca is almost 10 - a great name :)

just wondering, has Downton had an influence on the resurgence of Mary?
I love Diana, it feels SO elegant.
I'm weird, I like Julie, and Jean.

Has anyone mentioned Jane? they don't come more classic than that! definitely due a revival!

We are considering Nicholas for DS - I'd definitely call it a classic name, yet I haven't met any small ones recently, and we were surprised to find it has fallen out of the top 100.

Little boy (under two), in the park today called Owen - not a name common around young 'uns!

NigellasGuest - when Mary was born, the name Jean suddenly popped into my head, and it took as about 10 days to finally settle on Mary.

However realistically, with a son named Jack, we felt we couldn't use Jean, as they're both obviously forms of John.

Back in the US we had a young neighbour called Margaret (and her name was never shortened) her brothers were Parker and Sam. Two doors down lived Miles, Clare and Owen! So maybe Americans are willing to relaunch some classic names before the Brits?

Margaret is a there or thereabouts name in the U.S.

It has lingered in the 100s (mainly the mid to late 100s) ever since dropping out the top 100.

It never fell completely out of favour like it did here.

I have an Ellen honey and we were aiming at classic but underused so I'm glad at least one other person agrees! I find it surprising given how popular Ellie/Ella are. Lots of lovely names here imo.

Trevor
Marjorie
Nigel
Donald
Mavis

I have a Sally, that seems underused.

Only about 50 or so a year, and yet Molly, Milly, Polly, Tilly, all relatively common.

I do find people think it's my name rather than hers though!