Baby name forecasts for 2024 indicate that parents are swapping “cute” names for ones with “timeless charm”.
Picking a name for your little one can be tough and parents often change their mind daily about the names they prefer. Some follow the latest trends, while others expecting mums and dads stick to traditional names.
This year, however, there’s a shift. Now, “grown-up” names are fashionable.
Nameberry creator and baby name expert Pamela Redmond suggests that the ideal baby name for 2024 is both modern and “personally significant”.
READ MORE: Six Irish baby names set to be popular in 2024 as three trends emerge
It’s also thought that many parents will move away from “cute” names for their kids and choose sophisticated “grown-up” names, said to have a “timeless” feeling. According to Nameberry, these include timeless monikers like Arthur for boys and Georgina and Sylvia for girls.
Meanwhile, Babycentre says airy and earth-inspired names are “becoming more and more popular”. They expect names inspired by musical icons, girls’ names for boys – including Cleo, Fern, June, Hazel, and Willow – to be at the top of more parents’ lists for boys as unisex names become standard.
If you haven’t decided what you’re going to name your new babyn you may want to think about some older-sounding names that are coming back into fashion like Betty. Names consultant Colleen Slagen has stated that these older names are becoming more popular, especially with celebrities choosing them for their kids, such as Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively.
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Some other examples include Cedric, Dolores, and Marjorie. These “older” monikers have been out of fashion but are making a comeback. Isla, Florence, and Evelyn are also popular with parents looking for “grown-up” names. For boys, Oliver, George, Henry, and Jude are some popular choices.
Slagen says these names are favourites because they sound both unique and familiar. Parents want a timeless name for their child that feels charming too, and these older names tick all the boxes.
Which “old” name is your favourite?
“These older names appeal to parents who are searching for timeless charm. They also feel both unique and familiar, which is something a lot of parents are seeking in a name”, Slagen says.
“They want their child’s name to both standout and fit in. They want a name that feels sweet but ages well and older names check all these boxes.”
