Is Willow already dated?

[LittleLottle]

Just that really, I've loved the name Willow for about 15 years (big Buffy fan!) But I know so many aged around 4 I'm not sure if I should use it. My baby is due in 3 months.

I have a Willow, she's 8. I only ķnow of another who is 18.

One thing is that there is a new Disney+ series about to start. Based on the old 80’s movie Willow played by Warwick Davis. Should be very popular. So that might sway me.

What about Rowan as another consideration? I always liked Willow but it became a bit too trendy for my tastes. Rowan has remained my Plan B (for the make believe 4th child I will never have 😂)

@PortiasBiscuit , Names become popular because they are beautiful.
They become popular because of trends.

Take this list of top girls' names from the 1960s, how many of these names are beautiful? Were they ever beautiful?
Susan
Julie
Karen
Jacqueline
Deborah
Tracey
Jane
Helen
Diane
Sharon

1920s:
Margaret
Mary
Joan
Joyce
Dorothy
Kathleen
Doris
Irene
Elizabeth
Eileen

1930s:
Margaret
Jean
Mary
Joan
Patricia
Sheila
Barbara
Doreen
June
Shirley

1970s:
Sarah
Claire
Nicola
Emma
Lisa
Joanne
Michelle
Helen
Samantha
Karen

I'd say most of them are OK, but not many are beautiful. I'm not keen on some of them.

What do you mean by divisive? As long as you and your partner both like the name then it doesn't matter if your parents, cousin, GP, postman... don't, no name will be universally appealing. The only exception is if you mean you are concerned if the name could actually cause difficulties, such as Alexa or Myra.

Four Willows in the baby and toddler playroup I go to here. But if you don't mind that, you do do!

@FiloPasty I didnt know that, thanks! That's putting me off a bit more.

@bonnielochs I love Rowan but it's a boy name for me unfortunately, I just don't love it for a girl!

@SummaLuvin I think I just mean it's the type of name that our extended families probably won't like! It's not awful just unusual (it's Eleni), I know I shouldn't care what they think but I do haha

I think it depends what you mean by dated. I would assume someone named Willow is under the age of 12, but I don’t view it as a name that is already “out of fashion”

It's trendy - names.darkgreener.com/#willow
It's not dated but will be at some point.

I would choose Willow Instead of Eleni. I do agree Eleni may be a little too unusual (for my taste) but I dont think It would be huge problem since she could use the nickname Ellie If she ends up not liking her unusual name. I'd say If you really like Eleni go for It but my vote would go to Willow even If Its getting a little popular.

Willow is fine. Eleni will get called Elainey or Elleny by those unfamiliar with it.

I love Willow
dont know any
use your more divisive name for the middle name and if she prefers it she can always change the order when older

Who gives a shit if you like it?

(It's a lovely name whether 'in' or 'out')

Only Willow I actually know is 19.

Our DD is Willow, she was born last year. Haven't met another one yet or ever actually. I also am a big buffy fan, although just really liked the name. There were no kids at her nursery called Willow and haven't met another at a baby group or anything but it could be where we are based.
Pregnant with our 2nd and if they were a girl then we would have picked Elowyn but apparently we're having a boy.

I don't think it has peaked yet. It has had a steady increase for the last 20 years, so although it will age, I think names tend to have longer and slower trend periods these days as there is more variation in names, so doesn't age as easily. I actually prefer Willow now it is more common, which is strange as I usually prefer more unusual names and am put off by the top 50.

But it used to be used only by younger or very alternative Goth parents, much like Luna, and I had several goth/hippie teen friends who changed their name to Willow/Luna/Sky so it seemed a bit cliche alternative, but now it is more mainstream it has lost all those obvious Buffy connotations for me, and I appreciate it more for a beautiful gentle sounding name. A close friend of mine has just had a Willow and that may be another reason I have warmed to it.

I also don't think someone needs to be slim to pull off the name at all. I actually think it suits a chubby baby/curvy woman perfectly.

Should I take this thread personally? 😂