UK’s 20 Once-Beloved Baby Names Nearing Extinction: Is Yours at Risk?
Non-Anglo Names at Risk of Disappearing in the UK
From Shakira to Rahul, the UK’s diversity is reflected in its names—but many non-Anglo monikers face extinction, experts warn. While names naturally trend in and out of fashion, linguistic origins like Sanskrit, Arabic, and Native American are vanishing from birth records at an alarming rate.
The Decline of Cultural Names
Analysis by language platform Preply reveals that despite a 63% increase in births to non-UK-born mothers over two decades, non-British baby names rose by just 22%. “Entire linguistic origins are fading,” says Preply spokesperson Anna Pyshna. Assimilation plays a role, but mispronunciation and negative reactions also push parents toward “safer,” familiar names.
Top Endangered Names
Boys’ Names:
Kieron (Sanskrit, 98.3% decline), Rahul (Indian), Tyrese (African American), Faizaan (Urdu), and Husnain (Arabic) top the endangered list. Norse name Kirk (as in late actor Kirk Douglas, pictured below) and Hindi names like Sachin also face decline.
Kirk Douglas’ Norse name is dwindling in use.
Girls’ Names:
Shakira (Arabic, 96.5% drop), Kirsten (Scandinavian), Rianna (Arabic), Shania (Native American), and Nisha (Indian) are among the most at-risk. Singer Shakira’s Arabic name and Shania Twain’s Native American moniker (both pictured) highlight this trend.
Shakira (left) and Shania Twain’s names are increasingly rare.
Cultural Pressures
Interviews with 1,000 UK residents with non-Anglo names found:
- 33% faced bullying or discrimination due to their name.
- Over 50% experienced their name being altered or avoided, often in workplaces.
Despite this, Arabic names remain visible—but only a few dominate. Muhammad and its variants accounted for 75% of Arabic boys’ names in 2023, with others like Yusuf lagging far behind.
A Counter-Trend: Growing Diversity
Interestingly, recent research shows UK baby names overall have become more diverse. Popular names now draw from Italian, Norse, and Scottish-Spanish origins, reflecting global influences. Yet this diversity is uneven, with some cultures’ names thriving while others fade.
Preserving Heritage
Preply has launched a pronunciation guide to help protect cultural naming traditions. “No one should compromise their heritage to be accepted,” Pyshna emphasizes. By encouraging correct pronunciation, they aim to sustain linguistic diversity in an increasingly globalized society.
Anna Pyshna advocates for cultural confidence in naming.
Top 10 Endangered Names
Girls:
- Shakira (Arabic)
- Kirsten (Scandinavian)
- Rianna (Arabic)
Boys:
- Kieron (Sanskrit)
- Rahul (Indian)
- Tyrese (African American)
(See tables for full lists.)
While the UK’s naming landscape grows more eclectic, the loss of specific cultural names underscores a complex balance between assimilation and preserving identity. As Pyshna notes, “It’s about keeping traditions alive in a changing world.”
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