Name of the day: Ida

Ida, f.

Meaning: 'industrious one'

When I got my oldest daughter's class list for September, I was immediately scanning it for interesting names. One name which caught my attention was Ida. It is oh-so-similar to the extremely trendy Isla, but has that granny edge to it which makes it a little different.

Ida has an interesting and positive meaning; 'industrious' is not a quality I'd immediately wish for my child but could come in handy in the teenage years! The name has links to opera, the Hindu religion and also Greek mythology (Mount Ida), so definitely a mixed heritage.

I think Ida could be on the rise, as a 'smoosh' of Isla and Ada.

Changes in trends - comparison with 2000

I find it interesting that most people who name their children do not give much thought to baby name trends; but still they exist and very noticeable changes can be seen from decade to decade. Somehow the influence of naming trends does affect baby-namers but it's not always obvious how! I've been looking at name statistics from the turn of the millennium and how names have fallen out fashion in the years since. These names are all on a downward trend. If you are bothered about how 'fashionable' a name is then maybe not a good choice for you. But if you are looking or a name which isn't going to be everywhere then these could appeal. Below is a list of some names which were popular in 2000 but which have noticeably declined since then. The girls are far more drastic; boys' names are far steadier, with the classics moving slightly downwards but still used frequently (except for one!). Spot the F.R.I.E.N.D.S influence!

Chloe - from no.1 to 16

Megan - from no.3 to 41

Hannah - from no.9 to 42

Lauren - from no.6 to 103

Bethany - from no.13 to 73

Amy - from no.14 to 62

Courtney - from no.22 to 261

Luke - from no.11 to 45

Joseph - from no.7 to 22

Daniel - from no.5 to 16

Matthew - from no.9 to 47

Adam - from no.16 to 39

Connor - from no.23 to 58

Jordan - from no.18 to 210

Name of the day: Darcy

Darcy, m. / f.

(Alternative spellings: Darcey, D'Arcy)

Meaning: from Arcy (in France)

The name I've picked today is Darcy, which is technically unisex but more and more just used for girls. This name used to have a very preppy, almost snobbish image but I feel that it has moved much more into mainstream naming culture recently. I work in a school and there are at least three Darcy's in the school which tells you something!

This name will be associated mainly with either Mr Darcy from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice (of course!) or the ballerina Darcey Bussell. I actually would love his name for a boy because of the Mr Darcy link, but would never use it now because it has become so feminine. These connections give a feeling of culture and sophistication to the name. Definitely not an airy fairy, girly name.

I can imagine this name on a high flier, someone with influence and probably a little pretentious, despite it's growing use. The long -aah sound in the middle oozes middle-class-ness doesn't it?! 

If you like Darcy, you may like:

Eliza, Honor, Ruby, Rafferty, Hugo, Sebastian