Classic Names: Why Are They Classics?

Old fashioned, tired, overused...I have heard all the excuses as to why one should not use the classic names. Classic names have been defined by baby namers as names "of recognized value" or a name and spelling that has been used and well-received since at least the turn of the 20th century (100 years+).¹ So if these names are so old fashioned, why have they been in use for so long?

Universal Appeal

Classics are just that because they have universal appeal. Most classics have a melodic flow or a sound that hits the ear just right. Catherine has a very soft, feminine appeal and yet has the history of being used by great queens and other powerful women. William is another name with great history and appeal. The nicknames, Will, Bill, Billy, Liam, flow nicely and fit both rugged man and intellectual.

The universal appeal also extends outside of the given origin. For example, Hannah (of Biblical origin) is used widely in Jewish circles as well as Christian. Hannah is even one of the "crossover" names with other cultures. Hana is popular in Japanese and Arabic speaking countries. Hanna is one of the most commonly used names in Norway and Sweden.

Timeless v. Dated

Another reason these names are classics is that they have transcended time. As the definition pointed out, classics are names that have survived common usage of more that 100 years. We say "common usage" because some names have been around for years but are not used much. One example of this is the name Fawn. It has come up in cultures a few times in isolated pockets. But it has never been popular enough to be considered a "common" or "widespread" name.

What makes a name timeless? Think of a name or even take your own name. Would you consider it typical of a certain decade or time period? Think of Brittany, Ashley, Nicole, Jennifer, Madison, etc. These names are typical of a certain decade and have a "dated" feel. Not to say that is a bad thing or that the names will not cycle, but for now they are associated strongly with a decade. When you look at names like David, Elizabeth, Robert, and Caroline, it is much harder to come up with a decade because they are so universal.

New Classics

There are some names that are becoming classics. Names that have cycled at least once and most likely will do so again. In the 1970's, names such as Samantha, Erica, Jessica, Melissa, Ryan and Christopher, are becoming popular again. If these names continue to stay in usage, the likelihood is that they will become classics.

You have probably heard the expression, "everything old is new again" and that holds true in naming trends. While popularity of certain names wax and wane, they keep cycling. Currently, thanks to celebrities, certain classics are being revived. Charlotte, Violet, Ruby, Grace, Henry, William, Maxwell, etc. are just a few of the names in resurgence.

¹http://www.onomasticianedition.com/terminology.htm