Classic names that are currently underused

[HoneyandRum]

It's mostly boys names that come to mind

Mark
Matthew
Luke
John (all the Gospel writers then!)
Jonathan
Paul
Stephen
Gregory
Peter
Andrew
Philip

Mary

Oh I've realised that my list is all made up of names with a history in the Christian tradition so that might explain why, with the decline in church attendance? Would that really be a reason or is it purely fashion?

[Rhubarbgarden]

I very much doubt the Christian origins of these names have anything to do with their fall in popularity. Just look at the current trendiness of overtly religious names like Noah, Seth, Elijah, Ezekial, Malachi, Jude, Isaac... and so on. It's just fashion.

[HoneyandRum]

Seems like they are mostly Old Testament names (or Jewish Holy book names), New Testament out of fashion?

[Rhubarbgarden]

Actually yes that's true. Clearly old testament is in, new testament is out.

[HoneyandRum]

New Testament Names that are in

Gabriel
Nathaniel
Lydia
Thomas

Any more?

[HoneyandRum]

Ok here's more

Boys

Rufus
Zachary
Clement
Barnabas

Girls

Julia
Damaris
Talitha
Tabitha
Phebe
Sapphira
Magdala

Although many have always been more unusual than something like Mary and Philip.

[MortifiedAdams]

Rebecca
Sarah
Gemma
Nicola
Gillian

All names no longer given to babies.

[HoneyandRum]

Nicola I see as more a 70s/80s fashion name for girls. In the 90s Nicole took it's place.

[YoungBritishPissArtist]

Daphne

[HoneyandRum]

Daphne is making a comeback, I have met Daphne's under 5.

Teresa?

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

Simon
Terence
Jeremy
Julian
David
Andrew
Gideon
Roland


All due a revival imvho. :)

[HoneyandRum]

Susan
Judith

[HoneyandRum]

I actually like Terence and Terry as a nn! [hides under table]

[Bowlersarm]

I think you're definitely wrong with Matthew and Luke. I know a lot of under 10's. is it regional? I would say they are popular names for baby boys.

[HoneyandRum]

Gordon

[toomuchpink]

I've noticed Sarah has vanished from popular usage too. I really liked it as a name when I was growing up.

[HoneyandRum]

Bowlersarm interesting, you rarely see them mentioned on MN so maybe MN is not very representative? I lived in the US for many years and Matthew always had a good showing there.

[HoneyandRum]

Michael is another one that the Brits have abandoned but still über popular Stateside.

Tim (othy) I think someone mentioned this name up thread.

[SupermansBigRedPants]

Mark - we considered for ds

Luke - i liked luke/lucas if this bump was a boy

Andrew - i love but dated a few in my youth and df wasn't keen on it for ds grr.

Sarah is a fab name - i know a couple under 10 also a douglas and a baby brian

I love graham ted and edward but can't use them through family/friends on df's side which blows.

[squoosh]

Matthew is the No.1 boy's name in Ireland.

Michael was never an ultra popular name in the UK as historically it was seen to be very Catholic.

[HoneyandRum]

Sarah is still alive and well over here in Germany.

Philip &
Paul-Philip have a good showing too

Also
Paulina (Pawlina)

All "Paul" names seem dead in arrival in Blighty

[HoneyandRum]

on arrival

[TheApprentice]

Honey, in your first list you have me, dh and ds1! Didn't realise we were so traditional!

[SisterMatic]

I am one of those names, my Dds middle name is there too

[Mollydoggerson]

Bridget
Helen
Francis
Margaret

Edward