How Important is Popularity?

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-18-2006
How Important is Popularity?
6
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?
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-14-2005
Mon, 05-15-2006 - 5:15pm

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.




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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-28-2006
Mon, 05-15-2006 - 8:25pm
Our 1st son we named Jacob, we had no idea how popular the name was and still is. We love his name and it fits him perfect. To this day I still have yet to meet another Jacob his age. A lot of the names that we are considering for our 2nd son (3 wks away) are popular but not where we live. I think that it is really important to pick a name that you like and not worry about how popular it is. Especially if it isn't popular where you live. Good luck, hope that helps!
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-29-2003
Mon, 05-15-2006 - 11:20pm
it depends...if popularity matters at all there really shouldn't be a distinction b/t regional/national rankings. Your child very well might leave your state (and probably will) when she goes to college and gets a job. If you live in CA she might very well move to Massachusetts just to "have her own space." So whether it's popular in your state is irrelevent. On the other hand, I think you (and all of us) get too wrapped up in what's popular and in our attempts to avoid all that we consider popular. It's silly...it's like running from a trend you can't stop or control. Often, those of us who most want to avoid choosing a popular name end up picking a name that lots of others doing the same thing pick. Thus, we end up with a name that is extremely popular anyway. Pick a name you like. Pick a name you will want to say and hear for the rest of your life. The rest doesn't matter.
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-22-2006
Tue, 05-16-2006 - 12:05pm
I agree that if you love the name is shouldn't matter how popular it is, on the other hand you don't want your child to be one of 5 in their class, which is VERY understandable. So I think if it is not super popular where you live then you shouldn't worry too much. Even if it becomes popular years from now there won't be too many her age.

 

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-26-2006
Tue, 05-16-2006 - 4:52pm
I really wish popularity didn't bother me so much, but it does. I've liked the name Ava for years but now it's lost that WOW factor that I want my kids to have. When I hear a name over and over it becomes a little boring to me. Luckily my DH is the same way, so he is very easy to please when I come up with a "different" name! I do think that if a popular name wasn't as popular in my region I would probably consider using it. If it did start to catch on where I live at least my kid would be older and not in the same class as the others. If you absolutely LOVE the name, go by regional popularity.
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-18-2006
Tue, 05-16-2006 - 10:13pm

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.