Fewer than 20 parents picked names like Phil and Steve for their children last year
Ten ‘dad names’ are dying out with fewer and fewer people giving them to their babies, experts have said, as names once popular for children in the 80s and 90s look set to go extinct. Etsy has listed the top ten ‘Dad names’ that are dying out – and the ones that Brits most want to save from extinction, with Steve topping the list, followed by Colin and Craig.
The likes of Roger, Tyrone, and Phil are also on the way out, with less than 10 babies given these names in 2024. Meanwhile, ‘grandma names’ are experiencing a resurgence as their male counterparts continue to decline in popularity, with Brits 25% more likely to name their baby after their grandma rather than their grandpa, and 59% agreeing that grandad names (Edwin, Osmond, Vincent) are currently not as cool as grandma names (Mabel, Betty, Gigi).
Ahead of Father’s Day, Etsy is partnering with a selection of sellers to offer a 50% discount on select products when personalised with one of the top 10 near-extinct names, to help these once-popular ‘Dad names’ live on.
The research shows we can be ‘put off’ by certain baby names. Whether it be too common or overused or if a friend already chose the name for their child, there are many factors which play a part in the decision. Plus, with close to half of Brits saying they’d choose a unisex name for their child, the nation may start to see an increase in gender neutral names in the coming years.
There is a list of names that look set to die out as fewer than 20 babies were given them last year.
‘Dad’ names at risk of extinction according to UK baby name consultant, SJ Strum:
- Steve
- Colin
- Craig
- Derek
- Gareth
- Tyrone
- Phil
- Sameer
- Roger
SJ Strum, author of ‘Baby Name Envy’, said: “Name trends are constantly evolving over time, and these names in particular have seen a big decline in recent years. Notably, many of these we often think of as ‘Dad’ names, as a result of them being so popular in the 80s and 90s. Now, new parents are searching for more playful and creative names that have unique meanings. We’re also seeing an ‘upcycling’ trend emerge, with more people putting a twist on traditional names. For example, ‘Steve’, which was once popular for men, is now being adapted to ‘Stevie’ for a baby girl.”
Dayna Isom Johnson, Etsy’s Trend Expert, said: “With over half (57%) thinking the near-extinct male names may see a resurgence in the future , it’s clear many want to see them live on. As the destination for personalised gifts, to lend a helping hand this Father’s Day, we’re helping keep these names alive for generations to come. Head to Etsy’s website now and help protect these names by buying the special Gareth in your life a personalised playing card box, or an engraved leather bookmark.”
Shoppers can visit the campaign landing page here to browse Etsy shops offering the 50% discount.