A once-popular name for baby girls in Ireland is now falling down the popularity lists and is on the verge of extinction.
Baby names 40 years ago look very different to the names that parents are choosing nowadays. Where we once saw John, Sarah and Michelle, we are now seeing Fiadh, Rían and Sadie. It’s so nice to see newer names gain popularity, and they are lovely.
However, it is also sad to see names that were once our classmates’, siblings’ and best friends’ now be associated with ‘old people‘.
RELATED: The Once Popular Baby Name On The Edge Of Extinction In Ireland
Look, it makes us feel older that our names aren’t being given to babies these days, and we think they deserve to be back in the spotlight. Although, as trends tell us, these names will probably gain popularity again in a few years when we are grandparents, and they are considered ‘retro’.
Name popular 40 years ago is now almost unheard of
One name in particular is really overlooked these days, and it would have been a surprise 40 years ago when it was in the top five most popular names for baby girls.
The name is Jennifer, and you definitely know one or two – or more. Back in 1986, the name Jennifer was the fourth most popular name, given to 609 babies that year. Fast forward to now, though, and it was given to just 9 babies, according to the most recent statistics available on the CSO.
While the name Jennifer is certainly not unusual, it’s just not given to babies anymore. And it’s a pity because it has a lovely meaning. It is of Welsh and Cornish origin, and means ‘the fair one,’ ‘white wave,’ or ‘magical being’.
So if you are looking for a name for your baby girl that is unusual but still very familiar, why not choose Jennifer? There’s unlikely to be another child with the same name in her class!
