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Once popular names are in danger of extinction, new research shows, but the few that remain are demanding more young people with older names as a key reminder of UK history.
Graeme Currie, 34, from East Kilbride, Scotland, says his name is still “cool” and he thinks it will make a comeback, even though it officially went extinct just two years ago.
The name Graeme was claimed to have become extinct in January 2022, after research by Babbel language experts found that it was not used at all in 2020 for any newborn babies.
But the sales assistant doesn’t think that makes it old-fashioned, and says he’s more than happy with his name. It comes as the latest naming trends for 2023 were reported, with retro names expected to be big this year.
Graeme Currie, 34, said he wants more people to be called Graeme in years to come.
Graeme was one of seven male names labeled extinct by Babbel in a study last year (file image)
Graeme, 34, said: ‘I think more people should be called Graeme. I think he’s kind of a cool name.
“I noticed that a lot of younger people had different names and it was like Graeme seemed weirder.
“I think it’s always good to root for the older names like Graeme, Guy and Greg.”
Graeme was one of seven male names labeled as extinct by Babbel in a study last year.
According to research, the other six names, which have been extinct since 1994, are Horace, Iain, Leigh, Melvyn, Nigel and Royston.
Extinct names for girls, meaning they didn’t appear in 2020, include Bertha, Beverley, Carol, Carole, Doreen, Gail, Gertrude, Gillian, Glenys, Glynis, Hilary, Jeanette, Jill, Kay, Kerry, Lesley, Lindsay , Lyndsey, Lynne, Lynsey, Mandy, Maureen, Muriel and Phyllis.
Language experts analyzed the last century of records from the Office for National Statistics, comparing parents’ choices for their babies in 2020 against the 100 most popular names between 1914 and 1994.
Retail wizard Graeme said his name ‘sets him on a good track’, adding that many older names ‘set him a certain way’
Graeme said she had noticed that fewer babies were being named after her and that it represented a social change.
He said: ‘It’s getting a bit weirder these days. I think names like David are more popular.
‘To be honest, I guess society is moving on somehow. I think the names are a good thing that they show a part of the story.
“I wouldn’t say I’ve been lonely, but I guess the only good side [of having an extinct name] is not to be confused with other Graemes.
I think the name Graeme puts you on the right track. I feel the same way with many old names, it presents you in a certain way.
I quite like it, I think it’s actually a cool name, but my brother’s nickname for me is Gray Hair and I think that’s the association with Graeme.
‘Sometimes they call me Grams or Grammy, I like those nicknames, but my brother likes his name for me.
“I think people notice my middle name more, the only thing they comment on with my first name is the spelling.”
Babbel’s Ted Mentele previously said: ‘Naming practices form the basis of all language, as well as the basis of identity.
“The fact that the etymological roots of these names go back to different languages and cultures around the world shows how languages have impacted each other over time.
“We hope that by drawing attention to the overlooked roots and intriguing meanings of these endangered names, we can give them a new lease of life for the next generation and prevent them from being forgotten.”
Graeme’s campaign to get more young people to wear vintage names comes as retro names are going big this year.
According to Nameberry, TV shows like Stranger Things are to blame for the return to ’80s names, which could be a good sign to save Graeme from extinction.
On the other hand, ‘maximalism’ is also expected when it comes to this year’s names, notable names that have historically been leading characters in writing and film.
Examples could include Amadeus, Cleopatra, Magnus, Oberon, Ophelia, Persephone, Venus, Wolfgang, and Zebedee.
There are also a host of other baby names that are on the verge of extinction, many of which are more traditional as well.
This included iconic star names like Farrah, Stacey, Kelly, Barbie.
Meanwhile, last year it was revealed that Noah and Olivia were the most popular names for boys and girls in 2021, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Oliver fell to second place after being the most popular male name for eight years, while Olivia topped the female list for the sixth year in a row.
Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) also shows that Henry replaced Jack in the top 10 names for boys, while Freya, Florence and Willow replaced Isabella, Rosie and Sophia for girls.