The vintage baby names returning to Britain

Many of the names returning to popularity in Britain have origins in Hebrew, Latin and Old English.

 An illustrative image of a woman with a newborn crying baby. (photo credit: SHUTTERSTOCK)
An illustrative image of a woman with a newborn crying baby.
(photo credit: SHUTTERSTOCK)

While baby names go out of fashion every generation, Britain has seen a resurgence in classic baby names during the first quarter of 2025, according to Good Housekeeping and multiple British media reports. 

The first name making a comeback: James

While James has been a name of choice for many over the years, its popularity has dwindled in recent years. 

The name has roots in Hebrew, according to ancestry.com, and is derived from the biblical name ‘Yaakov,’ meaning 'Supplanter.' James was one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus, making it a name of great religious significance in the Christian faith. 

Mary

Mary is another name that returned to popularity, with origins in the New Testament. It had once been the most popular name for baby girls in the 1940s and 50s, becoming the most popular choice of the decade.

 A statue of the Virgin Mary in Syria, 2017. (credit: Fly_and_Dive. Via Shutterstock)
A statue of the Virgin Mary in Syria, 2017. (credit: Fly_and_Dive. Via Shutterstock)

Michael

While Good Housekeeping attributes the return of Michael to Yellowstone, it has been a popular choice for many years. 

Michael, according to ancestry.com, finds its roots in Hebrew and the Christian faith. Michael is considered the greatest of all the archangels and is seen as a powerful protector and defender against evil forces, according to the historical record website.

Linda

While Mary may have been the most popular choice of the decade, Linda took the crown from 1947 to 1952 as the most used baby name for little girls.

Its origins are in the Spanish language and reportedly means ‘the pretty one.’ It gained significant popularity in Medieval Western Europe.

Robert

Robert is making a comeback, and according to Ancestry.com, that is a very good thing for Linda. Robert is reportedly the most common spouse name for Lindas. 

The name reportedly originates from Old English, from the words meaning “bright” and “fame,” and ancient Germanic tribes.

Roberts seemingly appreciate their name as the most common name for a son of Robert is reportedly: Robert.

Patricia

Derived from the Latin word patricius, the name means “noble” and was once used by both men and women in ancient Rome.

John

Another name with Hebrew roots, John reportedly comes from the Hebrew name Yohanan (God is gracious). 

John is also the most chosen name for sons of Johns. 

Susan

Susan derives from the Hebrew name Shoshan, meaning lily. John is both the most common spouse name and child name of Susans.

David

David, a Hebrew name derived from the word dod (uncle), is also making a comeback, although it never lost popularity in many countries. 

Deborah/Debra 

Regardless of the English spelling, the name is derived from the Hebrew Devorah (bee). It was the most popular name in 1954 and its use is steadily regaining. 

William

Derived from the Old English word ‘will,’ meaning desire or determination, the name has been a popular choice in Britain. A number of British royals have borne the name, including the current Prince of Wales. 

 Prince William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, together with Princess Ingrid and Queen Sonja of Norway in the castle park during their visit to Norway. (credit: OskarAanmoen. Via Shutterstock)
Prince William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, together with Princess Ingrid and Queen Sonja of Norway in the castle park during their visit to Norway. (credit: OskarAanmoen. Via Shutterstock)

Barbara 

From the ancient Greek word barbaros, meaning foreign or stranger, the name has floated in and out of fashion throughout the years, but has remained popular in Germany.

Barbara is also the most common baby name for children born to Barbaras. 

Richard

Richard reached its height of popularity in 1930, but is slowly returning to the mainstream. 

Thomas

Thomas has its roots in ancient Greek, and is derived from the Greek word toma, meaning a twin. The name reached its height of popularity in 1860.

Karen

Perhaps somewhat shocking given the stereotype that has been built around the name in recent years, but Karen is making a comeback. 

The stereotype around ‘Karen’ is only recent, though, and the name actually traces back to the word ‘pure’ (Kr) in its ancient Scandinavian roots.

Mark 

The name Mark can be traced back to the ancient Roman name Marcus, meaning warlike or dedicated to Mars, the Roman god of war. 

Nancy

Nancy has roots in Old English and is derived from the word for grace. It reached its height of popularity in Britain in 1939.

Charles

Perhaps inspired by Britain’s king, the name Charles has returned. The name is derived from the Old English word ‘earl’, which means free man.

 BRITAIN’S KING Charles and Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani attend a state banquet at Buckingham Palace this week.  (credit: Jordan Pettitt/reuters)
BRITAIN’S KING Charles and Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani attend a state banquet at Buckingham Palace this week. (credit: Jordan Pettitt/reuters)

Donna

Donna was once a name of high status in ancient Rome, with its roots tracing back to the word domna, meaning lady or woman. High-ranking women would often be referred to as domna. 

Cynthia

Derives from the Greek word Kynthia, the mountainous region in Greek mythology on the island of Delos where Artemis was born.  Artemis,  the twin of Apollo, was the goddess of many things, including the moon and hunting.