A new study of baby name trends spanning the last 100 years has revealed that several nostalgic baby names are back in fashion. The research conducted by Crystal Care Collection, as part of its wider focus on family connection, highlights the intergenerational link between modern families and those living in care homes today. Whilst these names fell out of fashion in the mid to late 20th century, they are now being widely chosen once again, as parents look for classic names that stand the test of time.
The study analysed Office for National Statistics data, comparing the top 100 baby names from 1924 with the most recent figures from 2024, with the top five revived baby names for both boys and girls including:
In 1924, these ten names ranked comfortably inside the top 50, reflecting the familiar, heritage-led naming styles common at the time. However, between 1954 and 1984, almost all the names disappeared from the top 100 altogether. Only one (George) stayed in the top 100 list, while the others fell in popularity in the mid-century as modern baby names surged.
These drops weren’t short-lived, as some names dipped out of the charts for just two decades, while others fell out of favour for as long as 70 years. By 2024, all ten names not only re-entered the top 100 but soared into the top 25, showing a trend towards classic names as modern parents begin to look back to family-linked, sentimental names.
Residents of Crystal Care Collection have responded warmly to the idea that their names are now some of the most common in nurseries across the country today.
Image Credit: Crystal Care Collection
Evelyn, 91, a resident at Furze Field Manor in West Sussex, shares her reaction, “Being called Evelyn always felt quite special because being born in Switzerland in 1934, it was an unusual choice at the time. My mother named me after one of her favourite authors, Evelyn Goodman, who was the writer behind the classic illustration books that she would read to me as a young girl. I’m happy to hear that parents are choosing it again, because they see it as a name with a legacy and a sense of connection to the past.”
Arthur, a resident at Rownhams Manor in Southampton, says, “I was named after my uncle Arthur, but my parents were also inspired by the mythical King Arthur, so it has always felt like a strong name. Although it was quite a common name at the time, I haven’t met many Arthurs born after me, so it is a surprise to see it come back into fashion. But it’s lovely to think that younger generations are choosing names that connect them to their family and the past.”
Jack, a resident at Somer Valley House in Midsomer Norton, added, “My given name is Henry, but instead everyone called me Jack because it was much more popular at the time. It is great to see both of these names are popular again and I think television and films play a big part in nostalgic names coming back.”
