There are plenty of things that are associated with an adorable grandma: gardening, knitting, freshly baked cookies, spending time together over the holidays and just about any other cozy and bonding activity you can think of.
Grandmas offer a comforting warmth that so many people crave, and their names tend to evoke that same feeling. You might be thinking about monikers like Betsy, Mildred, Opal and Gertrude, but in the near-future, there will be very different names associated with older women, a baby naming expert explains.
Baby name experts and consultants are gaining popularity in this day and age. They offer insights and helpful suggestions in one of the more challenging parts of life: becoming a parent. Not only is that change a big one, but the choice of naming your child can also sometimes feel overwhelming. There are so many great baby name options and combinations that it can be difficult to know where to start. Not to mention the risk of going with a naming trend that may be *too popular* if you want to choose something a little more unique.
That’s why Parade asked Colleen Slagen of “Naming Bebe,” who is well-known and admired on TikTok and Instagram, for her input and expertise on the next generation of “grandma names.” She explains how generational cycles change baby trends, how to predict which names will feel cool vs. outdated and so much more. Keep reading to see if your name or your child’s name is on the list!
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The Evolution of ‘Grandma Names’: How Generational Cycles Change Baby Trends
Trends of all kinds go in and out of style, and it’s no different with names. The term used for that cyclical nature of naming is the 100-Year Rule. If you’re unfamiliar with this term, Slagen tells Parade:“The 100-year rule describes how names tend to cycle back into fashion every 100 years. Most of us don’t get to know our great-grandparents, so the names of that generation don’t have a strong association to naming parents, and they feel ‘fresh’ and ‘novel’ once again.”
Simple enough, but why every 100 years, you may ask?
“Names that become really popular tend to become timestamped to a generation, and the names age with that generation,” she continues. “So the popular names of the ’90s are now ‘mom names,’ and the popular names of the ’50s/’60s are now ‘grandma names’.”
That fresh and novel aspect of older generations’ names makes them feel new and exciting while maintaining a timeless and distinguished feel, which is exactly what many parents are looking for.
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12 Names Set To Become the Next Generation’s Vintage Classics
Slagen has provided a list of names that are popular now “that could be a ‘vintage classic‘ in future generations.” She states that when she chose these monikers, she thought of “names that are going to be sort of ‘timestamped’ to this generation, but they have to have longevity.” Here are the names won’t have “just a fleeting moment.”
1. Olivia
This Latin name holds connotations of peace, friendship and even fertility. Meaning “olive tree,” the name Olivia is surely not fleeting in popularity. The name gained traction after William Shakespeare used it for the character of a noble countess in Twelfth Night, and it is now ranked as one of the top girls’ names in the United States.
2. Chloe
The name Chloe has many variations, including Khloe, Chloey and Cloe. With Greek roots, this name means “blooming,” “fertility” or “young green shoot.” In Greek mythology, Chloe was used as an alternative name for Demeter, the goddess of agriculture, harvest and fertility. Its connection to that mythology and the classic sound will help make this “grandma” name popular.
3. Ivy
From the Old English word ifig, the name Ivy means “climbing vine plant.” The connotations of this name include resilience, fidelity and loyalty. It was popular during the Victorian era, which means it’s made almost two rounds of the 100-year rule.
4. Violet
Another name that was popular during the Victorian era, Violet has roots in Old French, ancient Greek, English and Latin. Its meanings include “purple/blue-ish flower” and “modest beauty.” Often associated with innocence and resilient beauty, it’s no wonder Slagen chose this name for this trend.
5. Isla
In Spanish, isla means “island.” This name also originates from the Scottish island of Islay, named after a Celtic or Old Norse term for “swelling island.” With its soft sound and modern style, this choice from Slagen fits in perfectly with the trend as an elegant and fresh option.
6. Lainey
The ending in “-ey” of Lainey has a youthful feel, while the overall name itself feels mature. Its Greek and French roots hold the meanings of “bright, shining light,” “torch” or “sunbeam.” Traditionally a nickname for Elaine, Helen or Elena, Lainey can stand all on its own as a wonderful, timeless choice.
7. Melissa
Meaning “honeybee” or “bee” in Greek, this name symbolizes a nurturing and sweet demeanor while also representing hard work. Melissa has many nickname options including Mel, Mellie, Missa, Lissy or Lissa and Issa. Any one of these nicknames would be adorable for the formative years while your daughter grows into the sophistication of the full name.
8. Shannon
Stemming from the name Sionainn, Shannon combines the Irish elements sean or sion meaning “old” or “wise” with abhainn or -amhain meaning “river” to form the full meaning, “wise river” or “old river.” This connection to nature gives a timeless feel that’s sure to remain popular.
9. Morgan
Another Irish/Celtic name with roots in nature, Morgan stems from the Old Welsh name Morcant. Meaning “sea-born,” “circle of the sea” or “sea defender,” Morgan is a gender-neutral name that is associated with strength and has plenty of modern appeal.
10. Bennett
This gender-neutral name has Latin roots and means “blessed” or “well spoken of.” It has a classic feel while being just rare enough that it feels fresh. Bennett definitely fits into the category of having the longevity that Slagen states is important.
11. Kimberly
Popular in the United States in the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s, Kimberly is an Old English name that means “from the royal forest clearing.” It was originally a place name and surname derived from villages named Kimberley in England but has grown to a lovely given name. Nicknames include Kim, Kimmy or Kimmie and Kimber.
12. Taylor
From the Old French word tailleur meaning “tailor” or “cutter of cloth,” the occupational surname Taylor has grown popular as a gender-neutral given name option. This moniker was extremely popular in the 1990s and remains popular today, which bodes well for Slagen’s sentiment that a name should not be fleeting.
If you’re looking for more masculine names that fit in with this trend, Slagen suggests: Levi, Hudson, Ezra, Bennett, Liam or Cooper.
Related: 175 Vintage Boy Names Perfect for Your Little Gent
Why 1980s and 1990s Names Are Poised for a Comeback
Millennial and Gen Z parents are choosing more and more names that evoke a nostalgic comfort. These names could have been prevalent in the pop culture of their childhood and, in that respect, offer a familiar warmth, unlike shortened modern names that can feel harsher. The desire for comfort and familiarity is one of the driving factors for parents to choose monikers that were popular at the end of the 20th century.
Slagen says that “1980s and 1990s names appeal to a niche group of naming parents who want something that feels familiar; a name that’s not too old, not too new, and one that they heard occasionally amongst peers growing up but wasn’t ubiquitous like Jessica or Jennifer.”
Among many naming parents, it’s important to choose a name that won’t be repeated everywhere, and so choosing something that’s just popular enough might be the best option.
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How To Predict Which Names Will Feel Cool vs. Outdated
While it’s a good idea to track naming curves and popularity trends, Slagen says that “some trends are unpredictable, like when Frozen totally took Elsa off the map.” To help with predicting which names will feel cool as opposed to outdated, she suggests “it’s always helpful to look at the popularity curve over time.” Patterns will ultimately reveal themselves and you can base your decisions off of them.
However, she warns that “rapid spikes in popularity can be the sign of a trendy name that will fall out of fashion just as quickly as it came in.”
It can be helpful to keep nickname potential in mind, as well as the rhythmic flow of combining vintage and modern names.
If you’re looking for something just on the cusp of being trendy, but not, Slagen says, “the name Caroline is an exemplary popularity curve; never overly popular and never out of fashion.”
Caroline is a great option because it can be combined with so many different middle names to alter the feel. Some examples include:
Caroline Louise Caroline Mabel Caroline Vera Caroline WrenUp Next:
Related: These 11 Baby Names From the 1950s Are Suddenly Becoming Popular Again, Experts Say
Source:
Colleen Slagen is a baby naming expert and the author of Naming Bebe: An Interactive Guide to Choosing a Baby Name You Love.Hence then, the article about baby naming expert says these 12 names could be the next generation s grandma names was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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