Choosing a baby's name that is distinctive is becoming harder, research reveals. HTML Image Greater media access, global communication and rising immigration have increased people's exposure to different names, but also ensures these become common more quickly. Using a tool originally created for understanding how genes behave, researchers from The Roslin Institute analysed trends in the names given to more than 22 million babies born in the UK over almost 180 years, between 1838 and 2016. Naming trends were linked to historical events or people in the public eye, experts found. Changes in tradition, multiculturalism and people’s ongoing quest for individuality also played a part. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, name choices were relatively stable, dominated by biblical names such as John and Mary. These traditional names became relatively unpopular in the years following the Second World War, when increased migration introduced names of Polish, Italian and Indian origin. Spikes in popularity for certain names became more frequent in the 21st century, but these fell out of fashion owing to over-use. Experts found that the use of hyphens and variant spelling to make existing names distinct - such as Amelia-Rose, and Rebekah instead of Rebecca - had increased substantially in recent years. This demonstrates society’s shifting desire for recognisable, but rare, names they suggest. Collectively, shifting patterns of name choice provide a fascinating insight into changes in societal values, personal tastes and ethnic and cultural diversity from the Victorian era to the present day. The speed with which modern name choices fall in and out of favour reflects their increased exposure and people’s ongoing desire for distinctiveness. Dr Stephen J BushThe Roslin Institute An interactive database of names created during the project is available at https://demos.flourish.studio/namehistory/. The research is published in the journal PLoS One. Contact Kate McAllister Press & PR Officer Contact details Work: 0131 650 6357 Email: Kate.McAllister@ed.ac.uk Related links Original publication New Gene ATLAS to facilitate search within UK Biobank Predicting the potential of E. coli transmission from cattle to humans
HTML Image Greater media access, global communication and rising immigration have increased people's exposure to different names, but also ensures these become common more quickly. Using a tool originally created for understanding how genes behave, researchers from The Roslin Institute analysed trends in the names given to more than 22 million babies born in the UK over almost 180 years, between 1838 and 2016. Naming trends were linked to historical events or people in the public eye, experts found. Changes in tradition, multiculturalism and people’s ongoing quest for individuality also played a part. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, name choices were relatively stable, dominated by biblical names such as John and Mary. These traditional names became relatively unpopular in the years following the Second World War, when increased migration introduced names of Polish, Italian and Indian origin. Spikes in popularity for certain names became more frequent in the 21st century, but these fell out of fashion owing to over-use. Experts found that the use of hyphens and variant spelling to make existing names distinct - such as Amelia-Rose, and Rebekah instead of Rebecca - had increased substantially in recent years. This demonstrates society’s shifting desire for recognisable, but rare, names they suggest. Collectively, shifting patterns of name choice provide a fascinating insight into changes in societal values, personal tastes and ethnic and cultural diversity from the Victorian era to the present day. The speed with which modern name choices fall in and out of favour reflects their increased exposure and people’s ongoing desire for distinctiveness. Dr Stephen J BushThe Roslin Institute An interactive database of names created during the project is available at https://demos.flourish.studio/namehistory/. The research is published in the journal PLoS One. Contact Kate McAllister Press & PR Officer Contact details Work: 0131 650 6357 Email: Kate.McAllister@ed.ac.uk Related links Original publication New Gene ATLAS to facilitate search within UK Biobank Predicting the potential of E. coli transmission from cattle to humans
