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Popular vs. Unique Baby Names

Why Do Some Parents Avoid Popular Baby Names?

By Shannon McKelden

The popularity of names ebbs and flows like tides. Most names maintain some position on the popular list for at least a few years until they are edged out by new names that parents pick up on and begin using.

"Names have always followed trends," Krantz says. "No doubt, there were a lot of Platos toddling around Athens 2300 years ago as the philosopher's reputation grew. Other than celebrity-inspired monikers, trends in many names tend to run in 80- to 100-year cycles – about the time it takes for the previous owners of the name to fade from memory." As an example, Krantz cites that parents may be hesitant to bestow the name Ruby on their daughter if all of the Rubys they know are 75 to 80 years old. "But 20 years from now, Ruby may make a comeback."

Hilary Zalon, founder of TheCradle.com, which features The Baby Name Bible, says that, like all trends, people are looking for the "new and exciting" names – usually after the last "new and exciting" names become oversaturated. "Linda and Susan became too common for parents so they turned to Jennifer and Lisa, and then Ashley and Brittany," Zalon says. "Now we're in the throes of Emma and Isabella. The question is: Who sets the tone for what's 'new and exciting'?"

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