The vintage baby names returning to Britain

Jerusalem Post ^ | MAY 1, 2025 | DANIELLE GREYMAN-KENNARD

[rdl6989]

While baby names go out of fashion every generation, Britain has seen a resurgence in classic baby names during the first quarter of 2025, according to Good Housekeeping and multiple British media reports. The first name making a comeback: James

While James has been a name of choice for many over the years, its popularity has dwindled in recent years.

The name has roots in Hebrew, according to ancestry.com, and is derived from the biblical name ‘Yaakov,’ meaning 'Supplanter.' James was one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus, making it a name of great religious significance in the Christian faith. Mary

Mary is another name that returned to popularity, with origins in the New Testament. It had once been the most popular name for baby girls in the 1940s and 50s, becoming the most popular choice of the decade.

[Chickensoup]

Peter

[FamiliarFace]

Neighbors have a not quite 2 year old daughter named Hazel. She’s very cute!

There’s also a Vera on the way in my family. I love that name.

[Lizavetta]

Prudence
Guinivere
Bronwyn (Welsh, I think)

[Getready]

Yup...James Muhammed Akbar.....so vintage....

[ProtectOurFreedom]

Nice! My mom’s favorite cousin (both born 1927) was Hazel. And Hazel’s sister was Ruby. I always thought Hazel and Ruby were really cool names!

My mom’s mom was Maude Gertrude and grandma was married to Theodore (”Teddy” his whole life!)

[ProtectOurFreedom]

“Could never do “Karen” never again”

I know exactly what you mean. It’s a shame the name has been so tainted. My first crush in 7th Grade was “Karen,” but I don’t think she knew I was alive! I saw here about 8 years later briefly and that confirmed she didn’t know who I was. ;>(

[ProtectOurFreedom]

Yes, how could I miss “Peter”!? Along with Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James, Thaddeus, and Simon.

I don’t think I ever knew a Thaddeus, though.

[dfwgator]

Tarquin Fin-tim-lin-bin-whin-bim-lim-bus-stop-F’tang-F’tang-Olé-Biscuitbarrel

[Allegra]

Neighbors have a not quite 2 year old daughter named Hazel. She’s very cute!

There’s also a Vera on the way in my family. I love that name.

My young niece is Ida. Another old name. It has grown on me. The fact that Ida is adorable hasn’t hurt. :)

[Diana in Wisconsin]

My Great, Great Grandma on my Dad’s side was English. Her name was ‘Thankful Lavinia.’ Not making it up! :)

My favorite girl name is ‘Audrey.’

My favorite boy name is ‘Timothy.’

[Diana in Wisconsin]

See Post 30. I missed your post to me. ;)

[rdl6989]

You win the thread.

[FamiliarFace]

I am getting used to hearing the older names again, and liking them.

[FamiliarFace]

My cousin named her son Thaddeus. He goes by Thad.

[FamiliarFace]

I don’t think I have a favorite name for either sex. So many great ones.

[MayflowerMadam]

I was born in ‘66, and HATED my first name; it sounded “old lady” to me — because it was/is. In school, I longed to be a Linda, Debbie, or Barbara.

Now in my 70s, my name is one of the ten most popular new baby names. Go figure.

[af_vet_1981]

The name has roots in Hebrew, according to ancestry.com, and is derived from the biblical name ‘Yaakov,’ meaning 'Supplanter.'

Sigh ...

It only means "supplanter" if you are rooting for, or listening to, the wrong team. The LORD spoke to Rebecca, not Isaac, to ensure Isaac's blessing did not go to the wrong seed. Jacob obeyed the word of his mother against his initial instincts. Thank God.

Genesis 25:
[21] And Isaac intreated the LORD for his wife, because she was barren: and the LORD was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.
[22] And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to inquire of the LORD.
[23] And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.
[24] And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb.
[25] And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau.
[26] And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau's heel; and his name was called Jacob: and Isaac was threescore years old when she bare them.


Romans 9:
[10] And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac;
[11] (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)
[12] It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger.
[13] As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.
[14] What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

Isn’t that funny? Names come and go in cycles. Wait long enough and any name will come back.

These days, the cycles are short. For so long, names had staying power because if widespread Christianity and shared values. Old Testament Jewish names, too.

[dfwgator]

What about Nigel?

[BamaBelle]

Two of those names are my two sisters names, but I got my name in an unusual way. My dad really wanted a son to be named after him, but I was the 3rd and last girl so I was named his initials, so technically I am named after him.