Traditional baby names that are now so unpopular they are at risk of becoming extinct in the UK – so, did yours make the list?
Traditional baby names in the UK that are dangerously close to extinction have been revealed.
Researchers from nametag manufacturer mynametags.com analyzed ONS data from the last 120 years to identify classic British names that are sadly on the verge of extinction.
Latest figures from the ONS have shown unusual names in England and Wales, including Athena and Yahya, are slowly entering the top 100.
Muhammad took first place in the men’s rankings for the second year in a row, while Noah and Oliver took second and third place.
The most popular girls’ names include Olivia and Amelia, while Lily replaced Isla in third place.
Some lovely vintage names didn’t quite manage to make the cut, though; Like Freda, Bessie, Cecil and Percy, there were 150 or fewer records in 2024, accounting for 0.02 percent or less of babies born that year.
Lars B. Andersen, Managing Director of mynametags.com, said: ‘We have been supporting parents in the UK for over 20 years and have observed first-hand that baby name trends tend to be cyclical in nature.
‘In recent years we have witnessed the revival of many old names such as Florence and Arthur. This got us thinking about historical names that have not experienced a comeback and set us on a path to discovering beautiful, traditional names that risk being lost to time.
‘We hope our list can provide some inspiration to expecting parents looking for traditional yet unusual names, and perhaps even save names like Freda and Leigh from extinction altogether.’
Researchers from nametag manufacturer mynametags.com analyzed ONS data from the last 120 years to identify classic British names that are sadly on the verge of extinction (stock image)
Top five girls’ names in danger of extinction
1. Freda
Extremely popular in the early 20th century, Freda was consistently among the top 100 baby names from 1904 to 1934.
However, according to the ONS, there were only seven babies registered with this name in 2024.
Being of Germanic origin, it means ‘peace’ and is often associated with meanings such as ‘peaceful ruler’ or ‘joy’.
2.Rosina
Although incredibly popular in the early 1990s, Rosina is no longer widely used in the UK; In 2024, only 12 newborn babies will receive the sweet name.
Meaning ‘little rose’, the forgotten flower name is often overlooked, making it a rare choice for new parents.
It has Italian and Latin roots and symbolizes beauty, passion and love, and has strong associations with the name Rosa.
3. bessie
Admired by many in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Bessie sadly fell out of favor; Throughout 2024, there were only 17 registrations of this sweet name.
The vintage name, used alone or often as a shortened version of Elizabeth or Beatrice, is in danger of being completely erased by future generations.
It is of Hebrew origin and means ‘dedicated to God’, evoking themes of loyalty, faith and vintage charm.
4. Millicent
An alternative to the popular name ‘Amelia’, Millicent comes in a number of charming shortened versions including Millie, Minnie and Mila.
However, it was chosen by just 42 Britons, compared to 2,448 in 2024.
This name, which has Old French and Germanic origins, has been used since the Middle Ages and means ‘strong in work’, ‘hardworking’ or ‘gentle strength’.
5.winifred
A traditional name of Welsh origin meaning ‘blessed peacekeeper’, this vintage classic is often shortened to nicknames such as Winnie or Freddie.
But despite her charm, there is very little Winnifred left on the list; Around 390 people were born in England and Wales in 2024.
In 2024, some lovely vintage names haven’t quite managed to make the cut; The likes of Freda, Bessie, Cecil and Percy registered 150 or fewer times and accounted for 0.02 percent or less of babies born that year (stock image)
The five most popular boy names in danger of extinction
1. Cecil
Although previously a popular choice for young men in the early to mid-20th century, the Cecil became officially extinct in 2024, according to ONS data.
It is of predominantly Latin and Gaelic origin, meaning ‘blind’ or ‘resolute-minded’ and is associated with humility and historical intelligence.
2.Leigh
In 2024, only three babies were named Leigh, meaning ‘meadow’ or ‘delicate’, although there were hundreds in the 1980s.
Despite the growing trend towards short and simple names, the sweet boy’s name often has trouble gaining traction because it is deemed too unique.
3.Claude
Almost completely extinct in the UK, this classic French name was a mainstay in the top 100 names until 1922.
But in 2024, only 0.001 percent of babies took home a gender-neutral, usually male, name.
It is of French origin, originally derived from the Latin name Claudius and the Latin word Claudus meaning ‘lame’ or ‘crippled’.
4.Maurice
Although once a strong contender among popular names from 1904 to 1956, in 2024 only eight toddlers were named Maurice.
Derived from the Latin name Mauritius, this breed is now in danger of extinction as its popularity dropped sharply in the 1990s.
5.Percy
Of Old French and Norman origin, Percy traditionally means ‘piercer of the valley’ and has strong ties to the English aristocracy, particularly the House of Percy.
Yet the popularity of the British classic is waning; ONS figures reveal just 0.02 per cent of registered babies take home the name.
The longer Percival was given to only 40 babies.
