Has Kevin surpassed naffness to enter a new era of acceptability?

[MrsSeanBean]

I would not use the name personally, but it seems to me that a whole new raft of names have come to the fore these days, making names such as Kevin (Gary, Barry, Lee etc) seem almost quasi-respectable.

What do you think? Maybe it still needs a few more years yet.

[Clary]

I think Kevin (as well as the characters mentioned) was just so immensely popular that it is very much of its time in the UK, and that time is the 60s-70s.

I used to work with a chap called Arthur whose son was Kevin; he said that his son had said he wished his dad had called him Arthur instead (this is in the late80s, way before Arthur became trendy) as every time someone came into a pub and shouted "Kevin" about 15 25-year-olds would turn round.

[Clary]

When I say the 60s-70s, I mean people born in that time. That is, people who are in their 40s now.

Their names are also Steve, Dave, Mark, Martin, Paul; we who are married to them are called Tracey, Julie, Carol, Clare, Debbie, Karen, Nicola. We may be hip, happening and edgy. Sadly, our names are not. Not yet anyway.

[stenogirl]

I like the name Kevin.
What does a Janet look like? In my experience... mumsy and quite shy.

[EllenJaneisnotmyname]

I know an 8 year old Phil, just isn't right, makes me think of Phil Mitchell and all the 40-something Phils who went to school with me. His best friend is called David, not shortened to Dave, thank God.

[moondog]

So true Clary.
Add a Debbie and a Lisa and a Karen too.

[moondog]

Soorry, you alread had domne 2/3.Time for bed!

[AlfalfaMum]

It doesn't have the naff connotations in Ireland. I know quite a few very nice, attractive, unthuglike Kevins. They are all quite athletic and well-travelled.
I would definitely consider the name if I had a boy, if it weren't that I already know quite a few.

[befuzzled]

All the kevins I know are fat, balding middle aged middle managers with curry stained ties and guts bursting out at the seams and are misogynistic, power crazed wankers to a man (along with all the nigels and barres)

[onlylivinggirl]

It depends where you are - a friend of mine in Canada has a Michelle and a Jason which are very seventies to me. Another seventies name which i like and keep expecting to see back is Nicholas (Nick)- but it doesn't seem to be catching on

[Numberfour]

Kevin and Keith - if I had twins, that is what I would call them. Love it!

[befuzzled]

Quite a few nicks cropping up round here, tho most have Greek parentage origins maybe

[girlscout]

Better a Kevin ,than a trevor,or a neville,or a derek,or ryan....

[Fimbo]

I think Lyn/Lynn/Lynne is due a revival along with Suzanne.

[bubaluchy]

marjorie

[Bandwitch]

I like Lynne. I think Susan will come back before Suzanne, as Susan born in the 50s and 60s and Suzanne the 80s (well, typically, obviously LOTS of exceptions).

I like Lindsay too, very pretty name that is not too girly.

[Bandwitch]

Sorry, I think Suzannes born in 70s

[Hedwig3]

Retro is in

[oohlaalaa]

I like these names:

Susan
Pamela
Clive
Eric

Would not use them though.

[oohlaalaa]

I like the name Alan too.

[ErinGoBraLess]

There's a Dorothy and a Beverley in dd's reception class.

[Goldenbear]

I heard a Rita and Dennis being called over for a sandwich in the park today.

[Fimbo]

Ds knows a Denniz (said Dennis) but he is Turkish.

[terribletriplets]

Kevin is an old Irish name. As is Barry (short for Finbar). It was Kevin Keegan that started the anti-Kevin movement. Also Kevin the teenager. Kevin is a lovely name.

[LaCiccolina]

My aunt said the best way to pick a name was to pretend to be in the throes of passion and say it out loud. If you giggle at it, don't pick it.