Is Oscar really popular?

[WhatAPredicament]

We like this name and don't know any personally but I get the feeling it has certainly been a popular choice in the last few years - has it been a trendy one that will, therefore, date? I know it's a name that can divide opinions but am really just asking if it has been overdone. Thanks!

[looki]

Regarding a name dating, I personally don't like a name that can be dated e.g. I (personally) associate the name Michelle to the 1970s etc

The name Lauren seemed to suddenly soar in popularity a few years ago and I supppose to me, over familiarity breeds contempt. I would also like my child (within reason) to be called by her first name rather than name plus surname to distinguish her from all the other children of a similar age in her group/class etc.

At the same time, I named DD1 a name I really liked despite it being quite popular yet I am hesitant to use a name like Isabel due to it being even more popular. I suppose its a personal thing really.

[MadeOfStarDust]

3 black cats and a dog round here called Oscar - not heard of any kids though..

[singersgirl]

We know loads (London). There's at least one in every school year at the two schools my children have been at.

It is fashionable in the UK now, whereas Oscar would have been a really unusual name for a child of my generation (in my 40s). It won't date as such as it's an old name, but unlike Thomas and James and William it's never been very widely used in this country until now.

[bananamummy]

'Dated' names are those that quickly soar in popularity and then as people become bored, it falls out favour and begins to sound old fashioned or dated. Sharon, Tracey, Stacey, Kevin or Steven all sound dated to the 70s for example.

I much prefer names that are more timeless and never become 'trendy'.

[bananamummy]

And I too prefer to be known by my name rather than having to add a modifier to my name - names are meant to identify us.

[yummymumtobe]

Very common in London. Along the lines of Florence and Harry. We liked it when we had our last baby but we had a girl in the end. Very glad we didn't have a boy called Oscar as it would have meant years of being one of many oscars when he was at nursery/school.

[HeyJudith]

I think there's different categories of "dating":

1. Those that are new, flash in the pan, come and go once (Sharon, Tracey, Kevin, Kylie, Carol, Denise, Barbara) probably never to return to the same level of popularity.
   
2. Those which are long standing and old but currently enjoying an intense bout of popularity (Florence, Olivia, Grace, William, Harry, Isabel, Alfred, Elsie, Emma) but the revival won't overpower their roots.
   
3. Those that are traditional but are not so much dated as... square (Andrew, David, Peter, Philip, Margaret, John).
   
4. Those that are biblical but cyclical (Rebecca, Deborah, Ruth, Isaac, Sarah, Noah)
   
   Oscar is European and long standing so I think it's a category 2 :)
   
   There must be more categories but those are the main ones off the top of my head :)

[squoosh]

Very good work there Judith, I think I agree with you by and large.

My v good friend has three small children, two of whom are mentioned in the Dated and Square category, I probably won't mention it to her.

[bluelighthouse]

I love the name but it is a dogs name!

[Frangepani]

Very well summarised Judith.
Love your 'biblical but cyclical' phrase!

[samuelwhiskers]

I have an Oscar and he is 14, there is only one other at his school who is older and the only other I know is in his 40s. Isn't popular where I live in the SW!

[Rhubarbgarden]

Good summary Judith, but if I may nit pick, Denise needs moving to category 2, as, like Oscar, it is an old European name (meaning 'follower of Dionysus') and enjoyed a period of popularity last century, which is why it now sounds dated.

[LaRegina]

Personally I know three Oscars under the age of one. That would be enough to put me off, but that's just me.

My eldest's name has just entered the top 100 and I was miffed about that

[HeyJudith]

Rhubarb is that true about Denise? I did not know :) That suprises me, the same as if you'd said "Charrdonnaye-Maiia is acrually an Olde-English name which was first mentioned the the Doomsday Book".

Squoosh well y'know... they are square by today's standards... full of churchy sort of goodness. Having said that, David Beckham is not square... nor is Andrew Flintoff ...

[Rhubarbgarden]

Yep, 'fraid so. It's been used in France for a long, long time.

[HeyJudith]

But... Denise is not a classic. The variant of Dionysus that is Denise, only dates to the 1920s. Denise itself as a stand alone name is not an old French name. It was not in use before 20C.

[HeyJudith]

[Mandy2468]

I like the name Oscar I'm plannning on calling my baby Oscar as I'm due in 2 weeks but 2 people are saying its a reduce las name

[Nelleflowerpot]

Yep very! My DS was in a swimming class with 4 plus 1 Oliver. The funny thing was 3 of the Oscars mums said they had wanted Oliver but thought it was to popular.
The lesson is just pick the name you like best!

[HooseRice]

Pistorious

[pictish]

We have an Oscar too. He's 14. We got the name from reminiscing about Sesame Street and didn't know of any other. I was gutted when it took off like it did but we still really like it. I agree it's a classic name and dates well...but I would say that wouldn't I?