AS if Fifi Trixiebelle, Peaches Honeyblossom and Little Pixie were not enough of a cross to bear, Britain now numbers among its youth six Gandalfs, two Supermen and 36 Arsenals of both sexes. Children, it appears, are in growing danger from their parents of name abuse. Among the worst reported cases are Dre, Tupac, Jay-Z and Snoop. These unfortunates, when they grow up, may well wonder why they were named after a variety of transient rap stars.
A survey of British birth certificates over the past 22 years by www.findmypast.com, a family history website, indicates that the practice of naming children after pop, sports or film stars, or even fictional characters, is alive and well. It is merely an updating of all those women who, having wept over Gone with the Wind in 1939, christened their sons Ashley and their daughters Scarlett.
Some names are more acceptable - and more common - than others. Since 1984, a total of 7261 Kylies have been born in Britain, a tribute to the enduring appeal of Minogue and one in the eye for her rival, Madonna, of whom there are only 288. In the past five years, the rise of the actor Keira Knightley has prompted 6074 sets of parents to borrow her name for their offspring, while Britney Spears holds up well, giving her name to 1611 little girls. |