Old-fashioned’ favourites top least popular baby names for 2018

As unique and somewhat peculiar names such as Astoria and Aaydne continue to brace schools across the world, traditional favourites are slowly disappearing into the history books.

It is not uncommon nowadays to hear new parents have gifted their cherished bundles of joy with the name of a fruit or some alternative spelling to help their child stand out from the crowd, but with all this individualism the common names of the 1970s and ’80s are on the brink of extinction.

In a list released by Netmums, it was revealed Gary – very much so a popular name in the ’50s – is the number one least popular male name of 2018, while Annette topped the list for females

Sadly all those grandparents out there hoping their grandchildren will be named after them are in for a terrible shock with Ronald, Elaine and Clive also making an appearance.

However, it shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise as the trend was noticed years ago, with less than 10 Gary’s born in the UK each year between 2004 and 2008 and only 33 given the name in the whole country in 2014. For Annette it is even worse news with not one single parent recorded as choosing the name, according to the latest figures.

Least popular boys names

1. Gary
2. Gareth
3. Norman
4. Ronald
5. Nigel
6. Gerald
7. Barry
8. Roy
9. Clive
10. Ian

Least popular girls names

1. Annette
2. Elaine
3. Linda
4. Susan
5. Carol
6. Janet
7. Donna
8. Tracy
9. Judy
10. Debbie

All these names could soon be long forgotten as the collection of weird and wonderful names skyrockets in not only Australia but the whole world.

One mum in the US even recently published a list of “dumb” kids names from her son’s yearbook, which featured Ashtian, Swayzie, Ryker and Keyairaa.

Read more: Mum lists the ‘dumb’ names of children in her son’s class

While baby name trends come and go, head of the data company Mark McCrindle told news.com.au why the once loved favourites are barely seen these days.

“New parents are picking names in their 30s and we need to remember they went to class with people called those names,” he explained.

“Hearing them drags them back to awkward times in high school and the people they grew up with. Parents don’t want to be reminded of that.”

So, in hearing that, perhaps all hope is not lost for the Gary’s and Annette’s of the world who are crossing their fingers their name may be passed on.

Read more: This may be the strangest name ever – and that’s saying something

What baby names do you hear the most these days? Do you think the old favourites will make a reappearance?