How Important is Popularity?
Find a Conversation
How Important is Popularity?
| Mon, 05-15-2006 - 4:56pm |
I was thinking today about the popularity of some names that I like. For instance, I am very fond of the name Lily, however, I was concerned about using it because it's become much more popular in the last few years. Yet, when I look at the usage in my particular STATE, Lily doesn't even place in the top 100 whereas it is 39 by NATIONAL standards. Shouldn't I be more concerned with the popularity of a name in my region versus the entire country? My main concern is that there will be four or five other Lilys in her class. If this name isn't that popular in my state, then should it matter that it ranks 39th in the country? Just curious....your thoughts?

I think regional popularity is FAR more important than national figures. National numbers are a great place to start, but as you found, sometimes a name that is quite popular nationally isn't nearly as popular in certain area. On the other hand, certain names are MUCH more popular in certain areas due to regional influences. (For example, Ansley is ranked only #654 nationally, but in Georgia -- where the Ansley family is quite prominant and many landmarks are named for them -- Ansley is ranked #51)
So while, in general, it's good advice to avoid the top 20 or so if you are trying to avoid a super popular name, it's also important to know your area. Ask around to friends with children or who work with children, go to playgrounds and listen to the names being called, etc.
I actually think any name not in the top 50 (assuming it's not part of a conglomorate like Katelyn/Kaitlin/Caytlin or Kaelie/Bailey/Haylie etc) is safe. Your child is probably going to meet someone else who shares his/her name, he/she might even have one in his/her class, but it's unlikely there will be TONS of kids with that name in this school, etc. That's usually all most parents want.
I'm with you there! I know popularity shouldn't probably be the determining factor in choosing a name, but it's hard to ignore. For example, dh loves the name Emily. Yes, it's a perfectly fine name, and I'm not completely opposed to it. There are just sooooo many Emilys and Emmas around here - I don't want her to be just another one in the crowd. Aside from that, our last name is pretty common - one of those like Smith or Jones. Emily just seems so bland to me when combined with our LN.
Like you, I also loved the name Ava for awhile, but now I'm sick of hearing it. I wonder if the same will ring true for Lily. It's another favorite of mine, but it also seems to be gaining popularity and fast. Perhaps I should just stick with Lorelei. It's always been a favorite of mine. I'm a bit concerned about its frilliness, but at least she won't be the 5th Lorelei in her class! I suppose she can always go by a nn like Lori , Lora, or even Lola.