Colleen Slagen Identifies Retro Names That Have Fallen Out of Favor
In the ever-evolving world of baby names, trends come and go, with some names from past decades experiencing a dramatic decline in popularity. Colleen Slagen, a baby name expert known on TikTok as @namingbebe, has recently stirred up conversation by identifying which popular girl names from the 1980s have become less common today.
In a video that has captured widespread attention, Slagen explored the top 100 girl names from 1986 and compared them to current naming trends. Her findings reveal which names have become virtually obsolete and which ones, surprisingly, remain in use.
Names That Have Fallen Out of Favor
Slagen’s video begins with a look at the name “Jennifer,” which was once a dominant choice but now sits at number 502 on the list of popular names. According to Slagen, Jennifer’s popularity waned after 2008, marking a significant drop from its previous prominence. Other names from the 1980s that have experienced a similar fate include “Jessica,” “Ashley,” and “Stephanie,” all of which once enjoyed widespread use but have since seen a decline.
The video also highlights the name “Brittany,” which is now positioned at number 848. However, the most notable drop is observed with the name “Heather,” which has fallen completely out of the top 1,000 names. “Tiffany” also shows signs of dwindling popularity, alongside “Erica” and “Courtney,” which no longer make the top 1,000 list. Surprisingly, the name “Andrea” remains relatively high at 155, contrasting with the steep decline of other names from the same era.
Slagen points out that “Lindsay” in its various spellings has also exited the top 100, and names such as “Shannon,” “Tara,” “Crystal,” “Casey,” “Brandy,” and “Dana” are now significantly less common. Slagen humorously refers to these names as “creatures of the 80s,” emphasizing their association with that particular decade.
Public Reaction and Reflection
The reaction from TikTok users has been one of surprise and nostalgia. Comments on Slagen’s video reflect a mix of amusement and disbelief as users engage with the findings. @sassy_girl_aj, who identifies as Andrea, humorously expressed frustration with the various pronunciations of her name. @shanshanono, a Shannon born in 1991, was astonished by the name’s decline, while @acfhxd12 was surprised to encounter a toddler named Amanda, associating it with an “80s vibe.”
Other viewers, like @moseleymarketplace, recalled their experiences growing up with names that were once very common. “1985 Jessica here,” the user shared, reflecting on how her class was filled with girls named Jessica, Jennifer, or Ashley. Similarly, @mom..mom..mommy, who has the name Heather, expressed a sense of aging due to the name’s decline in popularity and the difficulty of using it on a modern resume.
The Evolution of Baby Names
Slagen’s exploration into 80s baby names offers insight into how naming trends evolve over time. Names that were once considered stylish or trendy can quickly fall out of favor as new trends emerge. This phenomenon reflects broader cultural shifts and changes in societal preferences.
For new parents seeking unique or nostalgic names, it is important to consider both current trends and potential future perceptions. While some retro names may carry a sense of nostalgia, others might come with associations that make them less appealing to contemporary parents.
Conclusion
Colleen Slagen’s TikTok video sheds light on the shifting landscape of baby names, particularly those that were once popular but have since lost their appeal. By examining the decline of names such as Jennifer, Jessica, and Heather, Slagen provides a snapshot of how naming preferences change over time. The reaction from viewers highlights the personal connections people have with their names and the broader cultural implications of naming trends.
As new parents continue to search for meaningful and unique names, the insights from this inquiry into 80s baby names serve as a valuable reminder of how names can reflect and evolve with cultural and generational changes.
