Choosing a name for a child is always a big responsibility for parents. Not only that, but trends change from year to year, with some opting for traditional names while others opt for more obscure options.
While television programs and celebrities play a key role in influencing some of the more unusual names we hear today, new data suggests a slight shift: some old-fashioned names are set to make a comeback. With only a few months left until 2023, experts are already predicting what names parents will choose for their children in 2024.
Name expert and creator of Nameberry Pamela Redmond said: “Today’s parents are keen to send the right messages with the names they choose. The ideal baby name in 2024 is one that is ahead of fashion trends, has personal meaning and defines personality.”
Celebrities can often influence naming trends, and this is true for unisex names, reports the Mirror. Names that were traditionally considered “girls'” are now becoming popular for boys. Rihanna and A$AP Rocky named their son Riot Rose, while Chrissy Teigen and John Legend chose Ren as their son.
However, 2024 is expected to see a huge surge in traditional and “adult” names, and one name will make a comeback. Experts estimate that Arthur will become the number one traditional name in 2024. According to NameBerry, the name Arthur is both a boy’s name and a girl’s name of Celtic origin, meaning “bear.” Arthur has always been a contender for possible names for young British princes, chosen as the middle name for Prince Louis.
According to experts, next year the number of such names will increase, including:
- Arthur
- Agnes
- Betty
- Cedric
- Dolores
- Duncan
- Florence
- Georgina
- Marjorie
- Ray
- Stanley
- Silvia
The popular television series Peaky Blinders is said to have contributed to the rise in popularity of names such as Arthur and Finn. ONS data for 2021 showed the name Arthur was used more than 3,000 times.