Picking a name for your newborn bundle of joy is no easy task, but new research has revealed that some monikers are seemingly falling off the grid.
Every year in August, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) releases the official list of the most popular baby names from the year prior, but ahead of that, new analysis by My Nametags has revealed the top 50 “most endangered” names that could soon fade into the mist.
The research has also highlighted some of the names which are taking centre stage.
The leading name tag company – which looked at around 1.5 million names over a ten-year period – found that the names Gemma and Kieran were most at risk of dying out, having declined by more than 65% over the last decade.
Apparently, only 36 babies were given the name Gemma in 2020, and none so far this year.
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The names Rebecca (-59%), Lauren (-57%), Matthew (-43%) and Ryan (-43%) are also said to be in a severe decline.
My Nametags
So, what have those names been replaced with, then?
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Research shows that in recent years, parents have named their babies after popular TV characters or have taken inspiration from unusual and unique celebrity names, with My Nametags suggesting this is because we’re surrounded by all different types of popular culture.
For instance, the use of the name Aria (+597%) – thought to be inspired by characters from the popular TV shows Pretty Little Liars and Game of Thrones – has skyrocketed in recent years, with other names rising to the top including Harper (+317%), Mila (+261%), and Penny (+201%), which are inspired by the daughter of Victoria and David Beckham, actress Mila Kunis and Penny Hofstadter (the lead character in the long-running sitcom The Big Bang Theory).
Another trend on the up is the use of nicknames as given names, which has been increasing over the past few years.
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Monikers such as Albie (+282%), Bertie (+143%), Teddy (+211%), Belle (+95%), and Ronnie (+81%) all make the top 50 fastest growing names ahead of their traditional counterparts Albert, Theodore, Isabel, and Ronald.
My Nametags also revealed an increase in nostalgic, ‘old-fashioned’ names, with Mabel (+84%), Flora (+91%), Florence (+84%), Rupert (+205%), and Arthur (+104%) among titles that have experienced significant growth during the past 10 years and join the list of the top 50 fastest growing names.
You can read the lists in full via the My Nametags website here.
Featured Image – Unsplash
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Mancs wanted to take part in a new series of the ‘hardest quiz show on TV’
Emily Sergeant
Call yourself a clever clogs? The BBC is currently looking for contestants to take part in what is widely considered the hardest quiz show on TV.
That’s right – Only Connect is back for another series on BBC Two.
Presented by Victoria Coren Mitchell and first broadcast all the way back in 2008, Only Connect takes TV quizzing to the next level, as it sees two teams compete against each other by finding connections between seemingly unrelated clues.
In this quiz show – which viewers have dubbed one of the most challenging there is – knowledge only takes you so far, as the ability to think laterally is also deemed ‘vitally important’.
A casting call for the upcoming 2027 series has been shared on the BBC website, with people from Greater Manchester encouraged to apply.
Mancs wanted to take part in a new series of the ‘hardest quiz show on TV’ / Credit: BBC
The casting call reads: “The popular BBC Two quiz show presented by Victoria Coren Mitchell returns for a new series in 2027.
“Only Connect is seeking teams of three players OR single applicants or teams of two looking for like-minded teammates to pool their combined wits to solve fiendish conundrums and vexing puzzles.
“This is the quiz series where, as in life itself, knowledge will only take you so far: patience and lateral thinking are also vital. It’s all about making connections between things which may appear, at first glance, not to be connected at all.”
Reckon you’ve got what it takes then? Applications are now open, and all applicants must be aged 18 or over and a resident in the UK or Channel Islands.
Massive student night returns to Trafford Centre next month with up to 50% off on big brands
Emily Sergeant
Students can get themselves up to 50% off on food, activities, and loads of big-name brands at the Trafford Centre next month.
With thousands of new and returning students starting to arrive for the new academic year at Greater Manchester‘s universities, one of the region’s biggest student nights will be making a long-awaited comeback for one night only next month – and there’ll be loads of exclusive offers and free entertainment to make the most of across the evening.
Taking over the Trafford Centre in early October, the popular one-off student night is happening in partnership with Student Beans, and gives cash-strapped students the chance to shop a variety of incredible discounts all under one roof.
Just some of the big brands offering big discounts include 25% off at Levi’s and Boux Avenue, 20% off at Gymshark, Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch, and 15% off at KIKO, Rituals, and Sephora.
It’s not just retail brands you’ll be able to save some pennies on either, as many of the Trafford Centre’s restaurants and cafes will also be offering discounts and freebies on the night too.
Alongside the offers, students can expect plenty of live entertainment and in-store experiences throughout the evening, including a DJ set and drinks at Calvin Klein, in-store fitness challenges and at Gymshark, an exclusive piercing event at Lovisa, and a Beauty Hub takeover at Sephora.
There’ll also be ‘spin-to-win’ opportunities at places like schuh, River Island, and YO! Sushi.
Massive student night returns to Trafford Centre next month with up to 50% off on big brands / Credit: Supplied
“Student Night is one of the highlights of our autumn calendar, and we’re excited to welcome students for an evening of brilliant offers and feel-good experiences,” explained Simon Layton, who is the Centre Director at the Trafford Centre.
“Whether they are updating their wardrobe, stocking up on beauty favourites, grabbing a bite to eat or enjoying the atmosphere with friends, there is plenty to discover across the centre.
“With simple transport links from Manchester city centre and across the region, Trafford Centre is the perfect place for a student night out.”
The Trafford Centre’s Student Night is happening on Thursday 1 October from 6-10pm, and students can now reserve themselves a spot by registering online HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
18th May 2021 
