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A study spanning 100 years has shown nostalgic baby names from 1924 are back in the top 25 and are perfect for spring babies
As is frequently the case with baby names, those that previously declined in popularity are now experiencing a resurgence. Recent research, covering the past 100 years, has shown that numerous nostalgic baby names are returning to favour.
The study carried out by Crystal Care Collection, as part of its broader emphasis on family connection, highlights the intergenerational bond between young families and their great-grandparents. While these names lost popularity during the mid to late 20th century, they are now being selected by parents seeking names that will endure.
The research examined Office for National Statistics data, comparing the top 100 baby names from 1924 with the latest figures from 2024, uncovering the top 10 revived names.
Most popular nostalgic girls names
- Lily – ranked 47th in in 1924, and 3rd in 2024
- Ivy – 32nd in in 1924 and 5th in 2024
- Florence – 23rd in 1924 and 6th in 2024
- Elsie – 17th in 1924 and 10th in 2024
- Evelyn – 35th in 1924, 20th in 2024
Most popular nostalgic boys names
- Lily – ranked 47th in in 1924, and 3rd in 2024
- Ivy – 32nd in in 1924 and 5th in 2024
- Florence – 23rd in 1924 and 6th in 2024
- Elsie – 17th in 1924 and 10th in 2024
- Evelyn – 35th in 1924, 20th in 2024
In 1924, these 10 names ranked comfortably within the top 50. Yet between 1954 and 1984, nearly all the names vanished from the top 100, with George being the sole name to maintain its position in the rankings, reports the Express.
These declines weren’t brief, as some names dropped from the charts for merely two decades, while others remained out of favour for as long as 70 years.
By 2024, all 10 names not only re-entered the top 100 but climbed into the top 25, demonstrating a shift towards traditional names as modern parents increasingly look back to family-connected, sentimental names.
Residents at Crystal Care Collection care homes have voiced their delight at seeing their names climb back to the top of the popularity charts. Evelyn, 91, a resident at Furze Field Manor in West Sussex, said: “Being called Evelyn always felt quite special because being born in Switzerland in 1934, it was an unusual choice at the time.
“My mother named me after one of her favourite authors, Evelyn Goodman, who was the writer behind the classic illustration books that she would read to me as a young girl. I’m happy to hear that parents are choosing it again, because they see it as a name with a legacy and a sense of connection to the past.”
Arthur, a resident at Rownhams Manor in Southampton said: “I was named after my uncle Arthur, but my parents were also inspired by the mythical King Arthur, so it has always felt like a strong name. Although it was quite a common name at the time,
“I haven’t met many Arthurs born after me, so it is a surprise to see it come back into fashion. But it’s lovely to think that younger generations are choosing names that connect them to their family and the past.”
Meanwhile, Jack, a resident at Somer Valley House in Midsomer Norton, added: “My given name is Henry, but instead everyone called me Jack because it was much more popular at the time. It is great to see both of these names are popular again and I think television and films play a big part in nostalgic names coming back.”
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