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Original poster

Theo is the most popular name

33 replies

Leeloo1233 · 05/12/2024 12:32

So technically Theo is the most popular name in England according to the new ONS data, right? Since Theodore is number 8 and Theo is number 11. And lets face it, no-one will call their kid Theodore - they will be Theo.

So those two names combined makes over 5000 boys, more than Muhammad that's number 1.

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MagdaLenor · 05/12/2024 18:57

Where I teach, it seems that the worst behaved boys are called Theo! Also Alfie.
However, it's probably just down to popularity.

Moreteaandchocolate · 05/12/2024 19:00

MrsPatrickDempsey · 05/12/2024 18:52

So I was a bit of a trend setter when I named my 20yr old Theo! Feel a bit sad about the negative comments.

I love the name Theo! And I disagree about it dating badly - Theo will likely be a modern classic that stays popular (albeit less so) for generations. I think names like Arlo, Milo, Jude and Ezra are more likely to date badly.

BoleynMemories13 · 05/12/2024 21:41

NewName24 · 05/12/2024 18:22

This is so true too! Hardly hear Muhammads in use actually

Grin I think that might depend where you live, or where you work.

Not necessarily. There are plenty of muslim families where I am, but most of the children who are registered with this name go by a different name on a day to day basis (you'd only know they're actually Muhammad/Mohammed etc if you look on the online register system to see their legal name).

Obviously it is incredibly popular, but doesn't quite feel number 1 name popular because so many don't actually use the name they've been registered with.

BoleynMemories13 · 05/12/2024 22:13

Frowningprovidence · 05/12/2024 18:46

I love name trends. I can't work out how they happen. Why do we all suddenly shift from Chloe to Mia or Andrew to Theo.

There must be other names that start to creep up the charts and then don't take off in the same way.

Popular culture has a massive influence. So many names which appear to surge out of nowhere do so shortly after being featured in a popular TV show or in a song (Ruby Ruby Ruby Ruby anyone? Or umbrella, Ella Ella! Both these songs had a massive influence in the late 00s).

Celebrities who break through from nowhere will also influence the name charts if they have a name which was previously unusual or obscure. Names used by celebrities for their own children also have a huge influence on name trends. Even if people don't use the exact name, they can be inspired by the style (vintage, nature etc) and pick something similar. For example, Ivy absolutely rocketed after Beyonce used it as her daughter's middle name. Harper shot up the charts after the Beckhams chose it. Lyra was way out of the top 100 when Ed Sheeran used it. Now it's everywhere.

MabelStark · 05/12/2024 23:45

MrsPatrickDempsey · 05/12/2024 18:52

So I was a bit of a trend setter when I named my 20yr old Theo! Feel a bit sad about the negative comments.

We have great style and taste. I still think it's a wonderful name and I'm so happy I chose it. 😁

Lincoln24 · 06/12/2024 00:10

BoleynMemories13 · 05/12/2024 15:53

As others have said, Muhammad would far surpass it with all the different spelling variations anyway, even before you consider Teddy being an alternative shortening, or that fact that many do in fact use Theodore as a given name (while they're little at least).

You can't work out the stats on assumptions as there are so many variables. Muhammad and the various spellings are deceptive too, as culturally Muhammad is often given to the eldest male in each generation. They are then known by their middle name within the family and at school. We have lots of children at our school registered as Muhammad/Mohammed etc but I can only think of a couple who go by that name. The rest are all Abdul, Mustafa, Karim, Tariq, Hamza, Hussain, Omar etc. Basically anything but Muhammad, as that's their dad or grandad's name.

This is true, I even know some families where every boy is given the name Muhammed but goes by a middle name.

WoodforTrees · 06/12/2024 10:27

MabelStark · 05/12/2024 23:45

We have great style and taste. I still think it's a wonderful name and I'm so happy I chose it. 😁

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I have an 18 year old Theo - it wasn't even top 50 back in 2006 when I picked it.

I don't care what people say - it's still my favourite boys name. To me, it is strong but gentle all at the same time, which suits my lovely DS perfectly. We also have Greek family so it was a double win for us.

janfebmar87 · 06/12/2024 10:30

I haven't met many Theo's but I've met loads of Jude's lately

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