Some favourites from years gone by are still being picked by parents today
Elaine Blackburne Network Content Editor
14:15, 15 Jan 2026Updated 14:16, 15 Jan 2026
Getting the right name for your newborn is essential to most new parents. Many have turned to modern options, often sparked by TV shows or movie stars.
However others are looking for a name with longevity that won't disappear within a few years. Vintage names are becoming increasingly appealing, offering charm and history that some modern names can lack.
A study has now examined how baby names that were popular in 1914 are performing in the UK more than a century later, using official Office for National Statistics (ONS) baby-naming records. And it found there were plenty of options for parents wanting a vintage name of their child.
Researchers at PR Superstar collected the top 100 baby girl names and top 100 baby boy names registered in UK in 1914, as published by the ONS. These lists represent the most widely used names at the beginning of the 20th century, just before World War I, providing a clear snapshot of “vintage” naming trends.
Next, the team compared it with the ONS baby-name dataset for 2024, the latest year available at the time of analysis. This includes the number of babies born in UK who were given each first name during that year.
Only names that appeared in the 1914 top 100 for either boys or girls were eligible for inclusion. This avoided counting names that are modern inventions or that were not genuinely popular in the early 20th century. Finally, the top 60 names with the highest number of births in 2024 were selected to form the final list.
Arthur takes the top spot, with 3,368 babies given the name in 2024. Popular in 1914, it remains a strong choice thanks to its historical roots and solid, traditional sound. George ranks second with 3,257 births. Once a common name in early 20th-century England, it continues to appeal due to its simplicity and long-standing royal associations.
In third place was Amelia, with 2,448 babies named in 2024. A favourite in 1914, it has stayed popular for its soft sound and classic feel. Henry places fourth with 2,360 births. A familiar name across generations, it remains a steady choice for parents looking for something traditional and easy to pronounce.
Lily came in fifth, with 2,185 babies. Its popularity reflects the ongoing appeal of short, gentle names that feel both vintage and modern. Ivy takes sixth place with 1,956 births. Short and nature-inspired, it combines early 20th-century charm with a clean, simple style.
Florence ranks seventh, with 1,936 babies named in 2024. Once widely used, it now feels distinctive while still carrying strong historical links. Harry comes eighth, with 1,765 births. Its return shows how familiar names from the past continue to resonate, helped by ongoing cultural visibility.
Elsie ranks ninth, with 1,727 babies. Soft and traditional, it has remained appealing without becoming overused. And Jack rounds off the top ten with 1,711 births. A long-standing classic, it has stayed popular thanks to its short, strong sound and ease of use.