Baby name experts list six 'outdated' names new parents should steer clear of
Choosing a name for your newborn can be a tricky and daunting task, but two baby name consultants have shared six old-fashioned names that new parents might want to avoid.
British professional baby namer SJ Strum and Boston-based consultant Colleen Slagen have compiled a list of names they recommend to clients, but there are a select few they suggest bypassing.
Colleen advises against sturdy, old-school monikers like Linda, Karen, and Janet, which she believes are falling out of fashion, while SJ warns parents off what she terms "1990s norm-core dad names" such as Gary, Stuart, and Ian.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, SJ described pregnancy as "such a bamboozling time. She added that picking a name is just one of the overwhelming number of decisions expectant parents face, reports the Mirror.
She believes that enlisting an expert to choose a baby's name can transform the process into "one of the most joyous and bonding parts of your pregnancy."
"Couples want a name that tells their story," she says, delving into personal details such as hobbies, university studies, and where they first met to find the perfect fit.
SJ also mentioned receiving last-minute messages from delivery rooms, with parents desperate for help naming their newborn.
She offers sage advice for resolving deadlocks when one parent is fixated on a name the other detests.
SJ offers a cheeky tip for those stuck with a partner's preferred boys' name they can't stand: "That normally gets them off it pretty quick," she reveals, suggesting you claim it's the name of an ex.
For parents-to-be mulling over names for their little girl, SJ recommends timeless options like Olivia, Emma, Charlotte, or Sofia, while James, Henry, Lucas, or William are equally classic choices for boys.
SJ also highlights some novel trends in baby naming, noting: "'Nature names are becoming popular: River is rising up the ranks. I'm also seeing a lot of whimsical names that hark back to virtues, such as Sage."
She observes that following the passing of celebrities or notable figures, there's often a spike in the popularity of their names, adding: "We saw lots of variations on Elizabeth after the late Queen passed away, and Bowie after David died in 2016."
Before finalising a name, SJ advises giving it a test run: "What does it feel like to say it out loud?".
Sharing her own experience, SJ points out practical aspects to consider: "Will you be asked to spell it in a coffee shop?
"I had a client who loved the name Persephone, but did the coffee shop test and decided it was far too much of a mouthful".
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