10 once-popular baby names that could be going extinct

Parents searching for a unique baby name may not need to invent one — several once-popular British names are now on the verge of disappearing.

According to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), traditional names that once filled classrooms across England and Wales have plummeted in popularity, replaced by modern favourites such as Muhammad, Noah, and Oliver for boys, and Olivia, Amelia, and Lily for girls.

Below are some names that were once common but are now rarely chosen by new parents:

Lauren – Once a top-five favourite in 1996, when 6,299 babies were given the name, Lauren has now dropped to 934th place, with only 34 newborns receiving it in 2024.

Karen – Once a 1960s and 70s staple, Karen’s reputation has been damaged by its association with the viral “Karen” meme. By 2024, it ranked 4,844th, with just four babies named Karen.

Sheila – Peaking in the 1930s, this name meaning “heavenly” has virtually disappeared. Only five babies were named Sheila in 2024, ranking it 4,193rd.

Brenda – A post-war classic, Brenda has faded from use, with only four recorded births in 2024. It now ranks 4,844th.

Gladys – Once a cherished Welsh name meaning “royalty” or “princess,” Gladys is no longer recorded in ONS data — likely given to fewer than three babies last year.

Galvin – Of Irish origin, meaning “sparrow” or “brilliant,” Galvin ranked 5,120th in 2024, with only three newborns given the name.

Roderick – Sharing 5,120th place, Roderick — meaning “famous ruler” — was also given to just three babies in 2024, despite its deep literary history.

Gary – A defining name of the 1950s and 60s, Gary ranked 2,672nd in 2024 with only eight registrations, marking a steep generational decline.

Neville – Once seen as refined, and popularised by Neville Chamberlain and later Harry Potter’s Neville Longbottom, the name ranked 3,689th with five babies in 2024.

Dale – Meaning “valley” in Old English, Dale ranked 2,672nd in 2024, with just eight babies receiving the name.

While these names may sound dated now, experts suggest they could one day return in style — as parents rediscover their vintage charm and distinctiveness in an age of repetitive baby-name trends.