Robert Jenrick, a candidate for the Conservative Party leadership, has revealed that his 11-year-old daughter's middle name is 'Thatcher', sparking controversy at the party conference. The MP shared the information during a speech, explaining that it was 'a good way of reminding her of a good prime minister' and a tribute to 'strong women'. His daughter was born in the same year that Margaret Thatcher died.
The revelation drew audible gasps from the audience, with many questioning the appropriateness of naming a child after a political figure. Jenrick defended his choice, noting that his daughter's first name, Sophia, is one of the most popular girls' names in the UK, and that he could have opted for 'Margaret Thatcher Jenrick' instead.
This incident highlights the growing trend among millennial parents to choose unusual names, as data from the Office for National Statistics shows a decline in the proportion of babies receiving top 100 names. The rise of baby name consultants and apps like BabyName, which allows parents to swipe left or right on potential names, reflects this shift towards uniqueness.
While Jenrick's choice may be seen as extreme, it underscores the pressure parents feel to select a name that stands out without causing ridicule. The debate over baby names continues, with no comments yet submitted on the matter.
