Recent data reveals that several once-popular baby boy names are rapidly declining in popularity and could vanish from common use within the next few years. Parents choosing names for their sons may find that selections like these represent the last generation to carry such monikers.
Declining Trends in Baby Naming
Analysis of Office for National Statistics (ONS) baby name data shows a shift in parental preferences, with traditional and trendy names losing ground to fresher options. Researchers predict that certain boys’ names will drop out of the top 100 rankings by 2026, based on recent plummeting figures.
The sharpest declines highlight how naming fashions evolve quickly. For instance, Brody has seen the most dramatic fall, dropping 17 positions from 82nd to 99th in a single year. In 2024, only 553 newborns received this name, down from 630 the previous year, signaling its potential exit from the top 100 soon.
Mason follows closely, slipping 13 spots from 50th to 63rd. The number of babies named Mason fell from 1,118 in 2023 to 806 in 2024, illustrating how even modern favorites fade as trends change.
Toby rounds out the top three decliners, falling 10 places from 76th to 86th. Registrations decreased from 678 in 2023 to 621 in 2024, reflecting a steady shift toward more contemporary or timeless choices.
Full List of Names at Risk
Other names showing significant drops include:
- Logan
- Joshua
- Leon
- Elliot
- Ralph
- Ellis
- Bobby
These names, once staples in baby registries, now face obscurity as parents seek unique identities for their children.
Expert Insights on Naming Shifts
Prashant, a naming specialist, explains the phenomenon: “Names follow trends much like fashion or home decor. They surge when they feel fresh and modern but decline just as swiftly as parents pursue novel and distinctive options.”
He adds: “Brody, Mason, and Toby gained traction a few years back, but now families favor names that align with current or enduring styles. This pattern emerges annually in personalized gifts, where certain names captivate one year and fade the next.”
