A recent study by UK-based researchers reveals that names once common in the 1990s are seeing a dramatic decline in popularity. As parents prepare for the arrival of Gen Beta babies, they are increasingly moving away from the era's most recognizable monikers.
The 2,261-place drop for Courtney and other 90s girls
The decline of female names from the late 20th century is staggering, according to a new ranking of the least trendy baby names. Courtney experienced the most significant fall among girls, plummeting 2,261 places from its 1998 peak of 17th to a lowly 2,278th in 2025.
Other prominent names from that decade are following a similar downward trajectory. As the report notes, Shannon has dropped 2,127 places since 1996 , while Danielle has flalen 1,434 spots from its 20th-place ranking in the mid-90s. The researchers, who analyzed 30 years of data from the Office for National Statistics, suggest these names are increasingly being viewed as "de clase" by modern parents.
Connor and Callum join the list of declining masculine names
Male names that once dominated the top 20 are also losing their cultural grip. Connor saw the most significant decline among boys, falling from 11th in 1998 to 299th in 2025, a total drop of 288 places. Callum, which was ranked 8th in 1998, has slid down to 251st, while Jordan has fallen from a top-10 position to 248th.
The report also flags other names that may be losing relevance entirely. names such as Megan, Lauren, Luke, and Matthew are cited as being in daner of fading from common usage as the preference for 90s-era masculine names continues to wane.
From Kasai to Klarity: The new Gen Beta preferences
Parents of Gen Beta babies—those born in 2025 and beyond—are looking toward more unique or international options rather than 90s fads.. While older classics like Olivia and Liam remain highly popular in the US, a new wave of "voguish" names is emerging.
The research highlights a shift toward names with global or unconventional roots. For example, Kasai, a name meaning "fire" in both Japanese and Swahili, is rising in popularity for boys. For girls, the report notes the trend of Klarity, a stylized misspelling of the word "clarity," which is becoming increasingly common among new parents.
Why 90s cultural trends aren't influencing Gen Beta names
A significant disconnect exists between the current cultural obsession with 1990s aesthetics and the actual naming choices of new parents. While 90s fashion and music are trending, the names associated with that era are being avoided "like the plague ," according to the researchers.
Several questions remin unanswered by the current data. It is unclear whether this trend is a global phenomenon or specific to the UK and US markets, and the report does not explicitly state why parents find these specific names "de clase." Furthermore, while the report identifies rising names like Kasai,it does not clarify if these are niche trends or if they represent a permanent shift in how Gen Beta will be identified.
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