Fresh analysis of official naming statistics has uncovered a startling trend: several once-beloved baby boy names are rapidly falling out of favour and could face virtual extinction within the next few years. The research indicates that parents are increasingly abandoning traditional choices in search of more contemporary or timeless alternatives, leaving some monikers on the brink of disappearing entirely.
Top Three Names Experiencing Steepest Decline
Gift retailer Personalisedbee conducted an extensive examination of boys' names using Office for National Statistics baby name data, identifying the ten monikers that have suffered the most dramatic declines in rankings. Their projections suggest these names are most likely to fall out of the top 100 boys' names entirely by 2026.
Brody's Dramatic Plunge
The research revealed that Brody has experienced the most significant single-year decline, tumbling a remarkable 17 positions from 82nd to 99th place. In 2024, just 553 newborns received this name compared to 630 in 2023, representing the year's most substantial drop in popularity. This dramatic fall suggests Brody may vanish from the top 100 rankings completely in the very near future.
Mason Loses Ground
Mason represents another name rapidly losing its appeal, sliding 13 positions from 50th to 63rd place. While 1,118 babies were given this name in 2023, the figure plummeted to just 806 in 2024. This demonstrates that even previously trendy, contemporary favourites cannot withstand the relentless evolution of naming fashions among UK parents.
Toby's Gradual Decline
Completing the top three declining names, Toby fell 10 spots from 76th to 86th position. This delightful, classic name decreased from 678 babies in 2023 to 621 in 2024, showing a gradual but consistent downward trajectory as parents increasingly seek out fresher or more fashionable alternatives for their sons.
Expert Insight into Naming Trends
Prashant, a naming specialist from Personalisedbee, provided valuable insights into why certain names are losing their appeal among modern parents. "Names are a lot like trends in fashion or home décor," she explained. "They can rise quickly when they feel fresh or modern, but just as fast they can fall out of favour as parents hunt for something new and unique."
"That's why names like Brody, Mason, and Toby are falling out of favour," Prashant continued. "They were popular a few years ago, and now parents are moving toward options that feel more current or timeless. At Personalisedbee, we see this every year when families come to personalise gifts, and it's fascinating to watch which names capture hearts one year and are quietly forgotten the next."
Complete List of Declining Names
The research identified ten baby boy names experiencing significant declines in popularity:
- Brody
- Mason
- Toby
- Logan
- Joshua
- Leon
- Elliot
- Ralph
- Ellis
- Bobby
This comprehensive analysis highlights how quickly naming trends can shift in the United Kingdom, with some monikers that were recently fashionable now facing potential extinction within just a few years. The findings serve as a reminder that selecting a name carries enormous significance for parents, yet even the most beloved choices can rapidly lose their appeal as cultural preferences evolve.
