So we both love the name [name_u]Milo[/name_u]. I’m hesitant because it is currently #1 on Namberry’s Top Boy Names of 2020. However it’s #24 on BabyCenters Trending Boy names of 2020. And the last real data that’s been reported from 2018 has it all the way at #178.
So because [name_u]Milo[/name_u] is ranking so high does that mean the name will actual be super popular next year?
Thanks for any help figuring out what these lists actually mean!
Even if it’s popular there’s no guarantee that there’ll be another [name_u]Milo[/name_u] in his year. I’ve known one [name_f]Emma[/name_f] and two [name_f]Charlotte[/name_f]’s and they’re very popular on lists. If you’re really worried maybe use a FN like [name_u]Miles[/name_u], [name_m]Emilio[/name_m], [name_m]Emil[/name_m], [name_m]Camillo[/name_m], Michaelangelo, etc. In the end do, what you want. [name_m]Don[/name_m]’t be worried, it’s your kid.
As @jonquils said, it’s very popular on this site, but that doesn’t necessarily translate to real life stats.
Only a little over 2,000 babies were named [name_u]Milo[/name_u] in 2018, which seems like a significant number, but out of all the baby boys born in the US that year, it’s roughly 0.1%. So, it is rising in popularity, but it really depends on your area of the US. Some names are heard all the time in one state or region that might be totally unheard of in another.
All that to say, I wouldn’t worry about it. If you love [name_u]Milo[/name_u], you should use it!
Another echo here. [name_u]Milo[/name_u] is a great name, and I don’t think you should be so worried about the Nameberry lists as absolute predictors of name popularity.
If I’m not mistaken, [name_m]Atticus[/name_m] has long been a favorite on the Nameberry list- I think occupying #1 for a good amount of time. And while [name_m]Atticus[/name_m] has certainly climbed the SS charts over the past 10 years, it’s still relatively unused at #326. Personally, I think [name_u]Milo[/name_u] is super charming and has the appeal to grow in popularity, but I don’t think you’ll see it become the next [name_u]Noah[/name_u] any time soon.
*For what it’s worth, I have a very strong interest in the [name_u]Milo[/name_u] situation. I’m due very soon with a boy we plan to name [name_u]Miles[/name_u], nn [name_u]Milo[/name_u]. I usually try to avoid common/popular names, and don’t even consider those at the top of the SS charts, but whenever I see [name_u]Milo[/name_u] on the Nameberrry list or mentioned in forum questions like yours, I can’t help but feel excited, because it just feels like the right name for our baby. Does seeing [name_u]Milo[/name_u] on name lists and in these forums make you smile with excitement, or roll your eyes like “ugh, not another one…?”
I love [name_u]Milo[/name_u] and agree with previous posters; it’s popularity on here doesn’t necessarily predict an astronomical rise in the real world. It may become a little more popular over time but I don’t see it become a top 50 name anytime soon. Possibly top 100 in the next few years although I don’t feel that’s a definite at all.
Those lists do indicate buzz about a name which will usually mean it’s climbing the charts. But it’s unlikely for any name really to have a massive jump in a one-year period.
If the 2018 data for [name_u]Milo[/name_u] puts it at #178 on social security charts, it’ll likely still be well outside the top 50 now. That makes it plenty usable in my mind. A familiar name, but not outrageously popular.
You could use the #1 name on the popularity charts and your child be the only one of that name in class, or pick something unusual and still have them known as Firstname Initial. It’s all down to luck. If you love [name_u]Milo[/name_u], don’t let a small online spurt - most of which won’t be anywhere near your area - put you off using it.