Baby names: why we all choose the same ones

Why Do We All End Up Choosing the Same Baby Names?

Have you noticed that certain baby names seem to pop up everywhere? Maybe you’ve been creating name lists since childhood, or perhaps the idea of naming a child only became important now that you’re expecting. Suddenly, you see names that catch your eye wherever you go. But even as you pick a name that feels unique, you might find that many others had the same idea. Why does this happen?

Names often cycle back into popularity. In the UK, names like Evelyn and Arthur once felt old-fashioned but now carry a nostalgic charm. Parents often keep their top choices a secret, hoping to avoid duplicates. Yet, when little Evelyn or Arthur arrives at daycare, they may be one of several with the same name. Despite careful selection, many parents find themselves drawn to similar choices. How does this happen?

Why Some Names Feel “Overused”

Names from your own generation or that of your parents often seem too familiar to use for a baby. Instead, we’re drawn to names from older generations, like those of our grandparents. A Danish study shows that two-syllable names ending in “a” (like Clara or Alma) have risen in popularity since 2000, about 100 years after they were last popular. It’s a trend that often takes about a century to recycle, as names from older generations feel fresh and carry fewer associations.

The Influence of Popular Culture

Not every popular name comes from family history. Many trends are inspired by pop culture and media. In Denmark, the name Liam surged in the 2000s after rapper and TV host LOC, also known as Liam O’Connor, rose to fame. In France, the name Kevin spiked in popularity in 1991 following the release of “Dances With Wolves” (featuring Kevin Costner) and “Home Alone” with its character Kevin McCallister.

Cultural influences play a major role too. After WWII, Denmark saw an influx of American culture, which popularized names like John and Tommy. The Civil Rights Movement in the US also influenced name choices among African-Americans, with more parents choosing names like Kareem, inspired by basketball star and activist Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, over traditional biblical names.

Crossing Cultural Borders in a Globalized World

Names aren’t just influenced by trends and culture — they’re shaped by diversity too. In our multicultural societies, names often need to work across languages and cultures, combining personal taste with cultural heritage. But some names are popular worldwide. For instance, names like Noah and Ella appear on top baby name lists across the UK, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Emma, meanwhile, has been one of the most popular names in the Western world since the late 1900s.

Unisex Names and Hyphenated Choices

In recent years, many parents have moved toward gender-neutral names, reflecting a broader cultural shift. And if you want your child’s name to stand out even more, choosing a hyphenated name can help. In 2020, Ivy-Rose was the top hyphenated name for girls in England and Wales, while Tommy-Lee topped the list for boys. These unique two-part names can make a child’s name feel distinct among their peers.

Baby names might seem like they’re about individual choice, but trends, culture, and even global events influence them more than we realize. So while you may feel like your chosen name is a rare gem, there’s a good chance others have discovered its charm too.