Exactly this. The majority of super-popular names now will all be “old person” names in future.
In turn, the “old person” names of the recently deceased generations, like ‘Florence’ and ‘Edith’ are starting to reappear and be given to children again, because with that old generation dead they are freed from the old-people stereotype and seem good again. It’s cyclical.
Amongst all names, there are some which are conversely a lot harder to date. Names that are always being given, but never top the popularity lists. Names like Mark, Thomas, or Matthew. Harder to date people with names like these, because there’s always plenty of them.
I don’t think I’ve met a John that’s been in my school’s growing up or was ever younger than me. Most of the James I’ve met have been older than me or Asian (since Asian parents often gave their kids traditional Western names to assimilate).
The top 20 or so most common names today will be the top 20 or so old people names in the future.
Exactly this. The majority of super-popular names now will all be “old person” names in future.
In turn, the “old person” names of the recently deceased generations, like ‘Florence’ and ‘Edith’ are starting to reappear and be given to children again, because with that old generation dead they are freed from the old-people stereotype and seem good again. It’s cyclical.
Amongst all names, there are some which are conversely a lot harder to date. Names that are always being given, but never top the popularity lists. Names like Mark, Thomas, or Matthew. Harder to date people with names like these, because there’s always plenty of them.
The commonly used names from religions will always dominate top name lists for sure.
Like Mohammed and McLovin.
The cycle is reinforced by people giving the name of their grand parents to their kids.
Yeah but it seems like some names are always somewhat popular no matter the era. “John” and “James” for example
See John Oldman
I don’t think I’ve met a John that’s been in my school’s growing up or was ever younger than me. Most of the James I’ve met have been older than me or Asian (since Asian parents often gave their kids traditional Western names to assimilate).
The only James I know is old and Asian, checks out. However I know like 30 Johns of varying ages.