Are these names back in fashion?

[diddlediddle]

Just wondering if we think these names are usable again. Eric already seems to be back in. I don't think any of these are inherently horrible words (except maybe Derek!)? What do we think - are any ok?

Neil
Alan
Keith
Ian
Martin
Malcolm
Trevor
Clive
Derek
Paul
Brian
Graham
Barry
Kenneth
Glen
Philip
Nigel
Colin
Terence
Kevin

I knew at least one baby Frank in the early 90s and there were lots of Stans/Stanleys around then too. (Inner London.)

I like Clive and I may be the only person in the UK who also likes Nigel, possibly because of the combined effect of Nigel Pargetter in The Archers and a former colleague who was about as far from a nerd/fuddy duddy old man as it's possible to be.

It tends to take 80-100 years for names to come back...so your names that were popular in the 50s/60s are due a comeback in 2030-2040.

Now would be 'too soon', 2030 they will still be seen as unusual but the hipsters will start using them. By 2040/2045 they should be bang on trend.

I went out with a Frank once. I was delighted to discover it was short for Francois. Soooo much sexier!

I'm sorry but I've never met a nice Ian, every last one has been a wanker.

I know a 2 year old Trevor

Alan is a wonderful name. As is Steve.

Ian. I just think Ian Huntley & Ian Brady.
So I’d never use it ( awful name anyway )

Philip has never really been out of fashion has it? I know quite a few, all of different ages.

Ok if you're American as they love a Brian and a Kevin. Here in UK please don't do it to your son!

I actually really like Clive...I don't know any older guys called Clive so that probably helps and it makes me think of the actor Clive Owen who I used to have a crush on.

@OrdinaryGirl

I'm glad someone posted that. It needed to be done.

Personal associations make such a difference with names. The Iain know has completely wiped out any thought of Brady or Huntley. If I knew a lovely Myra, maybe she would have obliterated Hindley too.

No

@wheresmymojo I know that's the theory but I do feel they will come back before then. The 30/40s names are already pretty common lots of places and there's nowhere else to go!

@OrdinaryGirl 😅

I visited my cousin after she gave birth in February and the lady in the next bed had called her twins Bernard and Bianca. I said after the little mice in The Rescuers and she said no.

I love the name Francis - so Frank could be a nn.

But then I love John as a name - so what do I know

Oh & I would never associate Ian with Huntley or Brady more so with lovely Iain Glenn ( I accept he has snuck an extra i there. )

DD (3.5) has been at nursery with both a Keith and a Brian!

Lots of Philips, Peter, Leonard, Frank, Bernard, Albert and Edwins near me. But I can see why, they aren’t necessarily to my taste, but they are timeless.

I have an awful uncle Derek so I can’t help but grimace when I hear that name. Same goes for Gary and Paul.

I’m really not a fan of
Kevin
Nigel
Neville
Barry
Trevor
Roger
Graham
Julian
Jeremy
Jonathan

Hmm they're living dads names rather than no longer living granddad names like Alf and Wilf.

I think some classic boys names will come around quickly as they have a much longer history- John and David and Mark and Paul. Phillip would fall into this group too- I love Pip. Maybe Richard and Peter too.

But I think Nigels and Barry's and Grahams are still a little naff.

Not on your list but I know a baby Dennis which has a similar vibe to those names.

All absolutely awful/ bordering on child abuse

It's a nope from me

I like Neil, Graham, PauPhilip, Ian and Martin.

All those names are better than the weird names, and diminutives, that many people call their children nowadays. At least someone called Paul is not going to be embarrassed about their name when they are older.

I'd add David, James, Nicholas, George and Jeremy to your list.

I quite liked Jeremy but Clarkson put me off. Then Corbyn completely ruined it for me!