But I’ve always liked this name for some reason. I totally get why people would see it as dated, plain, uninspired, or why people would feel similarly about it to [name_f]Karen[/name_f] which as we all know has unfortunately been rendered unusable by a sexist insult. The ‘Sure, Jan’ meme plays a part here in giving similar energy I feel.
I just like its neat, clipped, tailored and streamlined quality, and for me it has a mid century cool about it. It’s definitely one I could see revived beyond honour name status. And no I don’t like the more flowery, prettier elaboration of [name_f]Janette[/name_f].
Thoughts? One for revival or one to be consigned to history?
As always, no offence taken in even brutal honesty
I think it might need a bit longer before it has any sort of major comeback but I do think it will comeback eventually. Right now it has a sort of quirky retro feel, as you said a very mid-century modern vibe. I really like it and would be delighted to meet a little [name_f]Janet[/name_f], but it is definitely much more likely to be a name she would share with friend’s grandmas than kids her own age which is something to consider.
No clue what sexist insult you’re talking about in regards to Karen, but as for Janet, I wouldn’t say the “Sure, Jan” meme is nearly as culturally relevant as the Karen meme - I feel like it was popular years ago and I haven’t seen anyone reference it in a very long time!
Normally, I’d say that a name like Janet sounds too dated to make a comeback just yet, but I do actually disagree because of a personal experience! I know a Janet in her mid 20s and she’s a very youthful & lively person, and although it took me a bit to get used to her name fitting her personality, it totally does now, and Janet doesn’t feel odd on her. She doesn’t get called Jan as a nickname, mostly Jenny or Jan-Jan. Either way, because of this I’m pretty convinced that Janet can work on a young person in 2024! It will feel dated, but not so much that it renders the name unusable.
Why not? [name_f]Janet[/name_f] is a good solid name. I always say that a name is only dated until someone actually uses it for their baby. [name_m]Buck[/name_m] the trend, call your daughter [name_f]Janet[/name_f], and the name will be seen in a whole new light by all who meet her. By the way, my son’s partner is a [name_f]Sandra[/name_f], she wears it well.
[name_m]Ah[/name_m] don’t get me wrong, I don’t think there will ever be a major comeback. But I think we’re getting to point where mid century names are beginning to be revived, and I think it’s one we might see again, even in a small way. I’m not expecting, but defs feel you on the considering a child foremost thing.
I kind of agree, and have defs had my ideas about certain names take on a new light because of modern usage and the fresh associations that brings as you’re describing. I do think there are some names that will just never come back though.
While I can’t see it happening just yet, maybe some day in the future? I mean, it has a similar ‘sound pattern’ to [name_f]Juliet[/name_f] or [name_f]Violet[/name_f] and if [name_m]Chester[/name_m], [name_m]Stanley[/name_m], [name_f]Winifred[/name_f], [name_f]Betty[/name_f] and [name_f]Mavis[/name_f] can come back, why not, at some point
I think if we had no history no preconceptions and the name was just dropped on the planet it wouldn’t feel out of place among a certain genre of modern names.
I think mid-century cool is the perfect descriptor for [name_f]Janet[/name_f]. I would guess that it may follow a rise in popularity similar to the one [name_f]Violet[/name_f] had starting in the late 90’s/early 00’s, but probably won’t be anything close to common again for little girls for at least a few decades. I think the sure [name_m]Jan[/name_m] meme is dying out anyway, and for some reason that [name_m]Jan[/name_m] always seemed like [name_f]Janice[/name_f] to me, so I wouldn’t have thought of [name_f]Janet[/name_f]. [name_f]My[/name_f] neighbor growing up was [name_f]Janet[/name_f] and she was like an extra grandmother/aunt figure, so I have very postitive associations with the name though.
I literally don’t know anything about the [name_m]Brady[/name_m] Bunch though, didn’t even know that’s what the meme was from until I just looked it up. I thought it was maybe from friends (which I also haven’t seen). (I’m 21 if that gives you perspective, idk)
A little premature for true revival, but if I were to consider a name that did see a big pop of popularity in a past decade, I’d want to be ahead of the curve. Your description sells it for you, so she will own her name.
Thanks for your thoughts. I don’t think it’ll ever come back on the scale of [name_f]Violet[/name_f], I think the pretty, vintage floral thing is defs a draw for that and is a whole trend which drives that popularity factor. There’s also a popular trend for more modern takes on nature names. We’re defs still mired in very feminine names for girls or gender neutral, surnamey type names… but I think mid century is beginning to be revived… I think it will start with honours of that generation - we’re already seeing names like [name_f]Kathleen[/name_f] and [name_f]Susan[/name_f] used as middles. I think atm its more popular for boys though… names like [name_m]Frank[/name_m] and as someone mentioned [name_m]Stanley[/name_m].
I’m not expecting but thankyou. I think it’s perhaps a little plain and unglamorous for peoples tastes compared to the [name_m]Uber[/name_m] feminine pretty names which are currently popular, but I can defs see it coming back in future. Trends tend to pendulum swing in a reactionary way, from one extreme to another as the contrast feels refreshing.
and you are exactly right.