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Original poster

Has Ethan been done to death?

41 replies

Foxtrot101 · 23/09/2022 07:50

I've liked the name Ethan for as long as I can remember but then went off it when there seemed to be Ethan's everywhere. Everyone I know, knows an Ethan! On this basis it was discounted for DS1. Now we are due with DS2 and struggling for a name we both love, DH brought up Ethan last night and I thought maybe I need to revisit it.
I like that it's a name people know and can spell and that wears well on a child, teen and adult. But the huge flipside for me is that it's one of those names now that just bores people because there have been so many.
Thoughts?

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KangarooKenny · 23/09/2022 07:51

I like it. I work in schools and I can’t say that it’s a name I’m aware of a lot.

Maireas · 23/09/2022 07:51

It is popular, but if you like it, use it. It's certainly not as ubiquitous as Teddy.

Whinge · 23/09/2022 07:52

I guess it depnds on where you live. I work in a school, and over the last 5 years we've only had one Ethan.

Battybonkers · 23/09/2022 08:01

we have a few Ethan’s at nursery/ play group but not nearly as many as Charlie and Alfie! What about something similar but less common like Ewan?

Purplemoons2827 · 23/09/2022 08:05

We only know one Ethan, I think it’s a nice name. I definitely wouldn’t say it bores me. If it was Oliver, Alfie or Theo, I would say probably don’t, but Ethan isn’t overused at all I don’t think.

SalviaOfficinalis · 23/09/2022 08:08

I’ve never met an Ethan, it’s grown in popularity but I don’t think it’s overused.

If you really love it, don’t overthink it, just use it.

Personally I prefer Nathan.

Surelyitscoffeetime · 23/09/2022 08:15

DS has one in his class. Can you cope with it being pronounced ‘Eefun’?

JenniferBarkley · 23/09/2022 08:32

I know one who's 13 and then there were two in DD's preschool class last year so I do think it's popular but not to the extent it would put me off. It's not like with girls' names the way there's a load of Evie/Ava/Ellie type names that kind of blend into one if that makes any sense. The popular boys' names all seem a bit more distinct from each other.

pilates · 23/09/2022 08:38

It’s not that popular.

I have only known two (different ages) in the last 18 years.

girlmom21 · 23/09/2022 08:43

I don't think it's that popular where we are. I don't know of anyone called Ethan under 10.

Lilacsunflowers · 23/09/2022 08:47

It feels a little dated.

LightHousePanda · 23/09/2022 08:56

I don't think I've ever met an Ethan but I guess it depends where you are. I associate it with the 90s as there were quite a few characters in films and tv with that name but it's not so attached that it would be odd to have it now. I like the name.

mrsm43s · 23/09/2022 08:57

Lilacsunflowers · 23/09/2022 08:47

It feels a little dated.

I agree with this. I think it had a sharp rise in popularity about 15-20 years ago, but is now on the decline, and now seems a bit dated. There seem to be lots of Ethans in year 7/8, and lots that left sixth form in the last year or two, but few baby or toddler Ethans around. That said, it's a perfectly good name, and if you like it, then go for it.

ILoveShula · 23/09/2022 09:02

It's fine. I prefer it to Nathan. I think it's one of those safe names that people like, and not likely to date badly. It's a name that will suit any age group.

StopFeckingFaffing · 23/09/2022 09:04

I know one who is 14 but would not say it is hugely popular or overused

I doubt it has ever been in the top 10

I quite like it

Original poster
Foxtrot101 · 23/09/2022 09:13

Thanks for my feedback. My other thought is that it's a bit dated, and the comments here do seem to indicate that it had its peak maybe 10-20 years ago. My niece is 10 and has a few Ethan friends from school...
I did also consider Ewan, I really like it, but my DH keeps saying "you and who?" so that's a no!
Nathan I'm in the fence about...

OP posts:
SalviaOfficinalis · 23/09/2022 09:15

What about Evan?

caroleanboneparte · 23/09/2022 10:05

Yes Ethan was at its peak a decade or so ago.

No reason not to use it though.

Ewan also peaked around the same time.

Evan or Everly or Edward are more 'now'.

Other names like Seth, Dylan, Cody, Harris, Brodie, Tyler are similar imo.

bombombo · 23/09/2022 10:05

I don't think it's too overused. Prefer Evan though.

Thinkbiglittleone · 23/09/2022 10:21

I only know 2 Ethan's.
I don't think it's that popular, although my friend chose a niche name and then one turned up in the same class as him. Literally the only 2 of that name that we are heard of in England through all our baby groups (of which we did many Blush) through their nursery and now in the whole of the school.

So just pick one you like, it really doesn't matter if it's popular or not.

B00mShakeShakeShakeTheR00m · 23/09/2022 10:30

I only know one (aged five).

pumpkinfan · 23/09/2022 10:34

I don't know a single Ethan. Never met one in my whole life. But who cares if it's a common name anyway? My son is called Jack. It's a really common name among all generations. But I love it and when I think of Jack now, I obviously only think of my son. And I don't think other people will be bored by a name. They won't think that much about it!

Needmorelego · 23/09/2022 11:04

I know of two. One who is about age 23 and one who is about 9.
Unfortunately I am one of those people who just can't say it properly - I always say it "Ee-fan". Big apologies to all Ethan's out there. I do try 🙂

outtheshowernow · 23/09/2022 12:12

I work in a school south east uk only one Ethan. I love the name also love nathan and nathaniel

RuthW · 23/09/2022 12:23

Not at all popular but a bit dated now. If you like it, go for it.