How popular is Iris?

[teddy50]

How popular is Iris right now in the UK, particularly London?

We like the name, but have a very common surname, so keen to avoid a popular first name too. I also don't like the idea of a name that 'dates' easily, like how 80s saw lots of Sarahs and Nicolas.

Thank you

It was no 82 in the name charts in 2018 (the most recent year we have statistics for) but the key thing to note here is that the name has now reached a plateau in popularity and the numbers of babies with this name has not increased since about 2016. So it’s no longer growing in popularity. That’s v encouraging if you’re concerned about popularity, as it doesn’t seem like the name is about to boom or on a continuous upward trajectory the way names like Arlo, Grayson and Roman are booming year on year.

Names are VERY varied in London. I rarely come across Olivers but have met 2 Fox’s and 3 Wolf’s

I know a couple.

In fact if you want a really exact answer instead of anecdotal evidence (eg... “I don’t know any babies called Iris” “I know 100000 babies called Iris” etc) then go onto the government website and type Iris in.

You’ll see that the name is not popular at all in London:

www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/livebirths/articles/babynameswhereyoulivecouldshapewhatyoucallyourbaby/2018-09-21

By the way I adore the name Iris x

Thanks everyone, and I LOVE that website whatsyourflava so much data!

Glad you like it @teddy50 - I love data too- I’m such a geek

What do you think? Sticking with Iris? I love the name

I don't know any personally but am not in London.

It will 100% date. It is part of the 'older generation' names that are being reused (Wilfred, Edith etc).

We might go with another name. I think butterfly84 might be absolutely right - Iris is likely part of the older generation names trend, like Edith, Evelyn, Nancy, which are all lovely but absolutely everywhere all of a sudden.

I love it.

I know one aged 15.