Freya.. how popular? Is that a bad thing?

[Whatthedoodle]

Myself and DP seem to have settled on the name Freya. It goes will with our other two children’s names and it’s possibly the only name we both like.

I think it’s pretty, not too frilly and not too long either.
I also like that Freya (or Freyja, though I wouldn’t spell it like that) is a goddess.

So, the only negative thing I can think of is that it’s a bit more popular than I thought. I don’t know any Freya’s so maybe it’s not as popular in my area as it is in others.
How popular is it for everyone else? Would you say it’s nice enough to overlook? I find that it’s a name that isn’t trying to be different to it’s not as bad that it’s a bit more popular.

Awful, over used name.

Freya is a fascinating one for me, because it's one of those names whose useage seems to come out of nowhere - apparently despite the deity Freyja , it wasn't used as a given name until around the 19th century (even in Scandinavia) and it's weird how it's become so popular in Britain over the last 30 years when few other Scandi names (or indeed other mythological names) are widely used.

Anyway, it's a pretty name with a lovely sound OP - but personally I wouldn't worry so much about it's popularity (which is very dependant on area); than as whether it might sound dated in future. I think it's at the peak of it's popularity now so it may be due to fall soon, if that would bother you?

I know of three aged between ~ 10 and 12. I think it’s an ‘of this generation’ name, but it’s nice, and if you like it, go for it.

I have a Freya (13). There's one in my DD5 class. Aside from that - she was the only Freya in her primary school. Great name - my Freya is strong, caring and has the best sense of humour, she's so naturally funny - makes us howl with laughter!

Nice enough, not one of my favourites but not offensive! I know of 2, one 1 (Freyja) and one 6.
It was 10th last year in the England and Wales baby charts but that only actually means about 0.35% of babies born so even the popular names aren't that popular in reality!

But is she going to be born on a Friday?

I have a 13 year old and a 7 year old daughter and they've both known countless Freya's, so it is a bit dull sounding to me. I much prefer Faye.

In Scotland and I only know one in her 20’s she was lovely, intelligent and kick ass. In my last job I saw lists of kids names from around Scotland and don’t remember seeing many Freya’s.

I know a Freja whose in her 20s and a baby Freya but that's it. I love the name

Thanks everyone! Someone we know just announced the birth of their daughter, and they’ve named her Freya. Back to the drawing board!

Oh that's disappointing for you op!

How about Saskia or maybe Astrid?

@DeeandraReynolds I thought we were finally onto something there!
I’m not to keen on those although I know they’re similar to Freya from what I’ve seen on some websites. Freya just seemed nice and girly without being too Frilly.
Thank you for your suggestions!

Greta
Verity
Pearl
Maggie (Margaret)
Edith
Martha
Delilah
Aubrey
Eliza

Any any good @Whatthedoodle

How well do you know them? If it's a sibling or close friend, I wouldn't use the same name, but if it's an acquaintance or someone you don't see much, I don't think it would be off the table.

I also think you can still use it btw, op! Unless you are very close friends.

However, I know how sometimes the dynamic of a friendship means that even if you aren't close you just really don't want to seem as if you're copying! But, it is a well known name. It's not as if they called her Apple and you did the same or anything.

#gwynethandchrisstolemybabyname

(Joking)

Flora?

I have one, it's not as common as people make out. I've only met another one and know of a couple more.

Extremely popular in the last five years

It’s a nice name. I know two.
One is 40 and the other 19.

If you like the sound of Freya OP, but can't use it now - what about the similar, but slighty less popular Maya/Maia or Thea? (could even pronounce them as May -ah and Tay -ah, although admittedly those aren't the more common pronunciations in this country).

Or fellow Goddess name Gaia has a similar strong, feminine but not frilly feel but isn't very common/popular (except in Italy)?

I’m a primary teacher and I currently have two girls called Freya in my class. I’ve known quite a few in the last four years. It’s a lovely name though so if you love it then use it! I don’t really think it matters how popular it is! DH and I considered it for our little girl who is due in March. ☺️

Oh no just seen your update! I’m sure you’ll find something else you love ❤️

Thanks everyone! It’s not a close friend or anything so I could possibly get away with the name but we live in the same area so they’re likely to go to the same school, potentially same class. It’s just put us off now so I think it’s back to square one.

@IamnotwhouthinkIam I am going to mention that to DP, his dads side of the family are from Sicily and we originally wanted an Italian name (we named our Son Luca for this reason) but the girl Italian names we liked were taken or have become very popular amongst people we know. Gaia isn’t something we’d thought of so I’m going to see what he thinks.

I’m open to all suggestions at the minute!

Gorgeous name, I only know one.