The fastest-growing baby names since 2011, and the ones dropping out

Baby names have changed significantly in recent years, to the point the likes of Amber and Ashley are now considered ‘old people’ names.

Due to the current trend for unique monikers, classroom registers in the coming years will rarely repeat the same name, and you’ll be far more likely to find ones like Arlo or Luna than classics like Sophie and Jack.

New analysis confirms this too, revealing a downturn in popularity for millennial staples with a clear uptick in quirky or celebrity-inspired names.

Using data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), Compare the Market looked at the biggest movers and shakers since 2011, along with those becoming less sought-after among parents.

During this time period, Saint and Harper saw the biggest increases in usage for each gender, with Kim Kardashian and the Beckhams sparking rises of 1,867% and 3,424% respectively.

Bowie (1,850%) and Ezra (1,326%) round off the top three most trending baby boy names, while Bodhi (1247%), Hunter (1236%) and Hendrix (1007%) followed.

For girls, the highest climbers included Aubrey (2,000%), Ariah (1,260%), Blake (1175%), Sloane (1000%) and Etta (996%).

When it comes to the names falling out of fashion, Brandon and Amy saw decreases in popularity of 87% and 86% respectively.

Other former favourites like Matthew, Luke, Lucy, Kate, Holly and Rebecca also made the list, as did Brooke, which was recently predicted to be at risk of extinction by baby name experts.

Interestingly, despite the name Mackenzie dropping by 81% (putting it in third place) for boys, its usage actually increased by 14% for girls between 2011 and 2021.

Commenting on the findings, Anna McEntee from the life insurance team at Compare the Market said: ‘Deciding on a name for your baby is such an exciting and personal experience, with seemingly no end to the possibilities.

‘It’s so interesting to see how baby name trends change over time, and the influence that popular culture seems to have on name choices too, what with the likes of Harper and Saint gaining in popularity over the last few years.

‘Whether you opt for a traditional name, or something more unique, hopefully our research will help new parents choose the perfect name for their new bundle of joy.’

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