Baby names tend to go in and out of fashion all the time, but many of us are still using the same names that parents would have named their children over a hundred years ago. After World War I, many people remained patriotic and sought classical names that reflected British history or their religious roots. These names were often seen as very respectable, but they are not boring, as their origins come from many different sources, such as Greek mythology, medieval legends, and famous historical figures.
I decided to look at the most popular names from 1926 at the Office for National Statistics and research the meanings of all these wonderful names. No matter if you just want to know what your own name means or are looking for inspiration, even the most common British name has a really interesting backstory.
2. Kenneth
Kenneth is the anglicised version of the Scottish Gaelic name Cainnech, which means “handsome.”
It is often associated with King Kenneth MacAlpin, who conquered the whole of Scotland and made it into one kingdom. However, the name only became popular outside of Scotland in the 1800s, thanks to Sir Walter Scott, as it is the name of the main character from his book The Talisman.
(Image: Getty)
5. Elizabeth
Elizabeth comes from the Hebrew name Elisheva and means “my God is my oath.” It has always been a popular name in the Christian world, as it is the name of John the Baptist’s mother.
It has been popular since the medieval era due to Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, a 12th-century princess who used her wealth to feed the poor, and in modern times, it is commonly associated with Queen Elizabeth II.
(Image: Getty)
