Popular boys' baby name takes a nosedive in top 100 list for first time in years

12 December 2023 , 11:10

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One boys' name isn't as popular as it once was (Stock Image) (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Baby name trends come and go, but there are some names that you expect to always be a firm favourite - and one of those go-tos has plummeted in popularity unexpectedly this year.

Choosing a moniker that's going to suit your little one can be a really tricky task. You want something they'll love and be happy with for life, and you as parents need to adore it as much as you adore them.

Now, new data from BabyCentre has shown that the name 'Jack' has taken a nosedive in popularity in the past ten years. Where it once took the number two spot in the whole list, it's now sitting significantly lower.

Coming in at number 10 on the list of 2023's most popular choices, it's the lowest the name has fared in four years. The last time Jack plummeted to the number 10 spot was in 2019, where it remained for 2020, before shooting back up in popularity during 2021 and 2022 thanks to top 90s names seeing a resurgence, and influences like Manchester City footballer Jack Grealish.

In 2013, the name Jack was the second most popular on the list, dropping to number three in 2014 and 2015. In 2016, it dropped to number five, but in 2017 it clawed back to number four. The year 2018 saw the name fall to seventh, and 2019 was the year where it significantly dropped again, seeing Jack plummet to 10 on the list.

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In 2023, with Jack just clinging on to the top ten list, you may be wondering which names have pipped it to the post as it's usually so popular. Well, Muhammad, Noah, Theo, and Leo have all proven to be more on trend than the 90s name Jack, which means 'God is Gracious'.

Jack is a medieval diminutive of John, and John originates in the Hebrew language and means 'God is merciful', so it's clear to see why it's remained in the top ten for years.

Oliver and Arthur are also more popular than Jack in 2023, pushing Jack further down the list of favoured baby names. George, Luca, and Freddie have also risen above the moniker, which will leave many wondering whether the name will exit the top 10 in 2024.

Danielle Kate Wroe