Perhaps we should ask Jordan’s baby daughter Princess Tiaamii when she grows up. Or Geri Halliwell’s girl Bluebell Madonna and Nicolas Cage’s son Kal-el, named after Superman.
The list of bizarre celeb names goes on and on, but for most of us the choice comes down to classic, cool or slightly quirky.
While official figures show that old-fashioned names are still among the most popular choices, some classic names remain firmly stuck in the history books.
Norman and Gertrude top a list of names that have fallen out of fashion over the last 100 years, according to research for the mother and baby website Gurgle.com.
While Ruby and Olivia are all the rage, Edna, Ethel and Irene are strictly off limits.
Other unloved entries on the list of endangered names include Clifford, Frank, Arnold, Leonard, Ada, Agnes, Elsie and Mabel.
Do they deserve to be neglected? Which of the current crop of quirky celebrity names or classic choices should join them in the history books?
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9 comments so far
I’m not sure it’s in a child’s best interest to be named after his or her parents’ favourite rock star or sporting hero. A child will grow up with their own nickname, often chosen by themselves, why inflict one on them from the first off? If you passionately feel that you have to give someone the name Zsa Zsa or Zowie, get a goldfish…
- Posted by ZachI agree, it’s strange that names like Olivia and Ruby are now all the rage, while others are dropping into obscurity. But come on - Gurtrude? I think Elsie, Ada and Arnold could make comebacks.
- Posted by Baby NamesGordon and Brown!
- Posted by PringNames of Kings and Queens seem to hold their popularity. To call your kids Norman or Malcome is just plain unfair. Don’t be surprised if names like Skiathosky and No-su-yu-Sar make a big come back in 2009… (you heard it here first)
- Posted by AlexOddly enough, my grandparents on my mother’s side were called Leonard and Elsie. I have never met another Leonard and since I never got to mee my grandmother, I have never met a single Elsie. When thinking about naming children, the best way for me to evaluate them is to imagine looking at a baby and saying “That’s Arnold” etc. More often than not, with the names listed above, it doesn’t work.
- Posted by GeorgeI can confidently predict that Taloola does the hoola from Hawaii probably won’t see the light of day (again). Or Number 33 bus shelter(presumably named after the place of conception?). Still, in a celeb-obsessed world, celebs who come up with silly names do no one any favours. Peaches? Chelsea? Romeo? Brooklyn? Cruz?
- Posted by CitiboyI think Elsie and Mabel will make a come back - everything comes full circle. As for storming Norman - it will never make a come back!!
- Posted by kathrynberyl,its absolutley awfull how any one could have a lttle baby girl and think “i’ll call her beryl is beyond me ….
- Posted by lizvery nice post thanks!
- Posted by Menopause Remedies