10 baby names that are about to go extinct - it's bad news for boomers

If you've been searching for a unique baby name, then look no further, as you could actually save one from going extinct.

Yep, that's right, there are 10 baby names that have dropped in popularity throughout the last decades and could be on their way out in the future if they don't have a resurgence.

It's no secret that baby names come in and out and fashion, and those that once dominated birth certificates in England and Wales are now being replaced by new favourites.

It comes as it's been revealed that some surprising monikers took the top spots, and according to a study by NameKun.com, which analysed thousands of names across the world, number one this year was actually David.

This was surprising as David was also the sixth most popular Millennial baby name for boys, with 649,402 babies reportedly being called it in 2022, as per Nameberry.

And now, again, it's the most popular global male name that is used in 113 countries, making it a top 10 name in a whopping 59 countries.

If you want a truly unique baby name, maybe pick one from the list of those that are nearly extinct (Getty Stock Image)

Meanwhile, Maria is the most popular global female name that's used in 114 countries and it's a top 10 name in 36 countries.

The other male names on the international top 10 list include: Daniel, Alex, Michael, John, Kevin, Chris, Paul, James and Peter.

While the top girl monikers, after Maria, are: Sarah, Laura, Sara, Anna, Jessica, Andrea, Sandra, Michelle, and Jennifer.

As for the UK specifically, Olivia and Amelia are hanging on tight to the number one and number two spots, as per research by BabyCenter, while the top two boy names are Noah and Liam.

Other popular names are Sophia, Emma, Isabella, Charlotte, Ellie, Rose and Mia, as well as Oliver, Elijah, Mateo, Levi, Lucas, Ezra and Asher.

But as we say, some names have fallen to the very bottom of the pile in England and Wales and need some love if we don't want them to go completely instinct.

There's been a lack of baby Karens and Garys (Getty Stock Image)

Which baby names could go extinct?

According to AOL, the name Lauren could be in trouble as it has seen a significant decrease in numbers.

It was in fifth place back in 1996, with 6,299 babies given the name but in 2024 it fell to 934th place with just 34 Laurens born that year.

Also decreasing in popularity is the name Karen, which could have something to do with the name becoming somewhat a meme and being associated with entitled, middle-aged white women.

It was once number one in the 60s and 70s but last year it had fallen to 4,844th place, with only four babies being called Karen throughout the entire year.

Sheila, Glenda and Gladys are also on the verge of extinction according to the publication, as are Galvin and Roderick.

In 2024, Neville also ranked very low 3,689th, with just five babies receiving the name, while Gary also saw a steep decline, with only eight babies given the moniker last year.

Find the full list below:

• Lauren
• Karen
• Sheila
• Brenda
• Gladys
• Galvin
• Roderick
• Gary
• Neville
• Dale