Conflicting feelings on possibly picking a name in the top 10

JenJen5868

My name is Jennifer, and I always knew that I didn't want to give my daughter a name where she would find herself to be one of three in her elementary school class growing up, like I was. However, when trying to decide on names with my DH, the only name we both agree on is Abigail, which is ranked #8 for SSA. I would love to get some opinions... Do I stick with Abigail, or settle for something else that I like, just not nearly as much, but isn't as high up on the SSA list?

HappyMrsK

Personally, I wouldn't settle for a name I didn't like as much just because I thought the name I loved was too popular.

Have you checked its popularity in your state? It may not be as popular regionally.

ETA:

You might find these links helpful:

https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/state/index.html

https://www.babynamewizard.com/voyager

https://www.our365.com/wisdom/babynamescape/default.aspx

 

jason&robin

Our 3yo is Ethan. He is totally an Ethan and I don't think it matters that there are other Ethans in his class. DH and I both loved the name and never worried about popularity. DH's name is Jason and that is in the top 3 when he was born so he was used to having a popular name. My name is Robin so I am used having a more unique name(maybe 1-2 Robins in my school). I really don't think it takes away from who they are.

PeridotEyes

I'm in the same boat. I picked Genevieve for our first, but Dh wants Madeline/Madelyn/Madeleine for our second - its much more popular.

 

I think since Abigail is classic and traditional, it will stand the test of time. Also the SS list might not reflect your area as much as the rest of the country. I know in my area, the top names are Nevaeh & Madison, etc. There was probably 1 Abigail and 12 Madison in 100 girls born.

Serruhhx2

I'm very against names even in the top 20... however, if I were to fall in love with a name, I would use it. #1 or #101

lurkeyloo

You should also look at how long it has been in the top 10 to see not only how many little Abigails/Abbys will be born in the same year, but will be around her age.

pennysuedog

My son has had 2 Abigails each year in his class he is in forth grade and they weren't always the same Abigails.

CHI-06

I would go with the name you love.  We named our daughter a name ranked #10 the year she was born....which bugged me a bit but we loved it and agreed so went with it.  I have not met another little girl with her name.  She went to a large day care center and now is at a smaller one and there have never been another child with her name. 

LMS05

CHI-06:

I would go with the name you love.  We named our daughter a name ranked #10 the year she was born....which bugged me a bit but we loved it and agreed so went with it. 

Great advice. Sure it isn't ideal that it's in the top 10, but I would never pick a name I didn't like as much just because it wasn't as popular. That's silly to me. I think Abigail is gorgeous and timeless. Wonderful choice!

hiltyn78

Our DD's name is Zoey and there's another one in her class even though it was ~#30 the year she was born.  You just never know.  I wouldn't sweat it too much.  if you like it, go for it!  I don't dislike my DD's name at all just b/c I know another Zoe/y. 

ara_cale

Abigail is actually our top girl name contender right now and I understand your concern.  I was one of many Sarahs in my classes growing up.  I just feel like no other name compares so I'm trying not to let the popularity bother me.  It helps me to think that not as many children are given the top 10 names these days as when we I was younger.  

UZ2Bee

I agree with the other posters - if you love it, use it.  I have a daughter, Ava, and I loved that name for years before it ever became really popular.  I have a name like yours (Sarah which was very popular) and really, it wasn't a big deal for me at all.  Sure I went by Sarah B. a lot but, whatever, it didn't bother me.  If you love it, use it.

julyjennifer

ara_cale:

It helps me to think that not as many children are given the top 10 names these days as when we I was younger.  

This is what I would point out too.  Coming from another Jennifer...the thing to keep in mind is that the raw number of kids being given the top 10 names today is NOTHING like what it was for Jennifer when we were born.  Names are much more spread out now, and the actual number of "abigails" in the U.S. is much smaller than the number of "Jennifers" (or whatever #8 was then) at that time.  So it won't be nearly as common, even though it's popular.

I get where you're coming from, though.  I shy away from Ethan, even though I've liked it for a long time.  It's #1 in my state.

zaramarie81

Like you, my name was soooo common growing up, so I relate to the hesitation. Also my Dh loves common names lol (sigh). I'd say keep looking and trying to find a less common name you both love. Perhaps search for less common variations on names you love? That said, if you really just love Abigail and can't find another name, chances are, there will be less Abigails than Jennifers (people tend to avoid top 10 names these days more than they did in the era of Jennifer and Jessica).

msmerymac

I'm against trendy top 20 names, but if it's something classic, which Abigail is, I'd use it. I'd consider using Elizabeth, for example, which is always in the top 10.

losmitty

You always want something you don't have. Although, my name is "you-neek" or made up, I have spent most of my life repeating and spelling my name. Although I like many less common name, I wanted my children to not have to deal with that. Plus I always wanted to by personlized goodies, and of course nothing ever said "Laurel". That said, I named my daughter Sophia. Sometimes I dislike how incredibly common that has become lately, but I still think there is a BIG difference in popular and trendy. Sophia is a classic name (like Abigail) that will probably ebb and flow through through popularity forever- while other choices on the top ten lists will be gone soon and sound dated later. If you love Abigail stick with it- it's beautiful!

DreamAmor

The girls are Sophie and Charlotte. They're very popular names but they are, for a reason. They're both beautiful, classic, timeless names. A lot of the time, popular names are poular for this reason (not aligning popular with trendy, though). This LO will have a popular name as well but, like the girls, it will be classic and timeless. Those two things are important to me over picking a name we don't really like because it's less popular.

true07

Agreed.  I'm trying to avoid top 50 names, but if you love a name, go for it!

Like someone else said, Abigail is a classic name that happens to be popular.  At least it's not a "trendy" name.

JenJen5868

I'm still undecided, but you all gave me some great things to think about. Thanks for the feedback everyone!