Why do people think Imogen is over used?

[varmit]

Really intrigued to know why this name is said to be very popular? I am in SW London, and don't know any. But there are loads of Isabel's, Eve's, and Tilly's.

How many do you know and what area of the country are you in?

I ask as it is currently top of my girl's list, but I don't want to use a name that's about to have a population explosion.

Thanks

I have an imogen, born this January. The response to her name has been universally positive from my FIL who'd never heard of it before (!?) to my very hard to please mother. Also I was worried about it's popularity but my health visitor doesn't even think she's had an imogen before. I'm in Manchester btw. Wanted to use mimi as a nickname but my Dh was sceptical so she gets Im a lot from me and immie from the GP's

I like it.

Its not it's grrr bloody auto correct (pedant alert!)

I love it, it's on our list! I'm quite glad it seems to get a mixed response, as perhaps that means it's not on it's way to being the next Isabel, Evie etc (both lovely names but so popular round here)

I love it-especially with Mimi as a nn.

I have a just 2 yr old Imogen (we're in Essex). Usually call her Immy as do most family and friends. I have certainly found people either seem to love it or hate it and a few people haven't heard of it before. I have actually had moments when I am unsure if I like it but overall I do love it and it suits her. I don't know of any other Imogen's.

I also have a 4 yr old Sophie and in her reception class of 55 there are no other Sophie's and there has only ever been 1 other Sophie at one of her nurseries she went to.

I like it

It's feminine without being girly, socially neutral and is works for a little girl and an adult.

I know two adult Imogens- both shortened to "Imo". Both rock, so maybe that's why I like the name!

Also, on the "over used" thing.

Not sure if any of you have played the "How original were your parents?" game on Facebook. It works out how original your name was when you were named it. Well, afraid to say my parents got an E. However, whilst no-one has ever said "oo, how unusual" when I've told them my name, it's not like every other person has the same name as me. Even at school, in a year of 60 there were only 2 of us with my name. By contrast, there were 5 Emma's but Emma was apparently actually less common than my name in 1975. So, it seems that the "popular names" list can be misleading, probably sue to social and regional variations.

Also, I think name commonness really stands out at nursery/school, because it's obvious which names were popular in a given year, but once you get into real life, this impact gets massively diluted as you work/ hang out with people from a much wider age range.

I suppose what I'm saying is, a name you like is more important than one which is original. I wouldnt worry too much about over use, especially of classic names.

It's a classic name that has been used for centuries. Even if it does have a "population explosion" there are still not likely to be more than a couple in any given primary school!

14 years ago we gave our dd a name that we thought charming and original, and which raised many eyebrows. The name? Grace!

50 years ago my mother was persuaded against using her absolute favourite name for me because it was too old lady-ish and everyone would tease me. The name? Emily!

If it's a rea, name and not a random collection of letters, or the name of a geographical feature, fruit or household object, and providing you don't find yourself thinking, even for a second "Am I brave enough to use this name?" then go for it. It doesn't matter if there are more than one in the school, it really, really doesn't.

My daughter is an Imogen (just turned 2). I haven't yet met another of similar age but assume there must be some owing to the stats. We call her Immy (although her Great-Gran insists on Imogen as she says it is too elegant to be shortened). Her middle name is Sophia, though, so if she does decide she dislikes it at any point, she has that option.

We know a baby Imogen (6 months) whose nn is Impy. Love it!

Thanks for all the interesting feedback on this. Imogen looks like it's not going to be hugely popular, which is exactly what I wanted to know. We just need to make a decision now between our top two names, Imogen or Martha! And then no doubt we'll find we have a boy anyway......