Felix is actually quite popular in the German-speaking world. My wife suggested it back when we were thinking of names, I vetoed, too closely associated with Felix Unger. Of those, how many have the full name "Adelheid", for which Heidi is merely a nickname?
Hmm, that explains why my friend Heidi was teased by calling her "Adelheid." Never connected that one. Eunice Mabel Marcella Cynthia
Jacob is popular, Isabella is very popular although they may call them "Bella" for short. Edward, not as far as I can tell.
I went to high school with both a Nathaniel and a Thaddeus (though he went by Thad) and I know quite a few Ronald's, though most of them go by Ron. I'm happy to have a name that isn't used anymore. I can be pretty sure when I hear my name in a crowd the person is actually looking for me (unless my mother is around). A name I don't see much is Dorothy.
I've actually known quite a few Erics of various ages. And my aunt is named Shirley, but that doesn't count obviously since she's a baby boomer. I've known a couple of Franks my age as well. Jacob is pretty popular. And I know an Oscar. What about Gertrude? No one names their daughter Gertrude anymore (thank goodness).
Helen isn't too popular nowadays, but it's one of my top picks if I ever have a daughter, after one of my great-grandparents. Also, the names of my other great-grandparents: Foster and Francis. Drusilla Minerva Luther Thurston Lavinia Edit: Her twins are Hazel and Phinneas. Still not too common.
I wouldn't say Helen's popular, per se, but I don't think it's uncommon. I have a friend named Helen.
Guys, maybe we're looking at this incorrectly? It's not a matter of if our peers have these names but whether newborns are currently being named them. Right? I mean, most of us are in our twenties at least so it's not really quite the same.
My sister the midwife helped deliver a baby named Agatha the other day. I hope that one doesn't catch on. Also, for bonus points, my sister's name is Helen.
I'm actually surprised this isn't around as much. It's a good sounding name. Music Man? Dorothy? Really? You know I don't think I have met anyone named Dorothy...Doris, but not Dorothy...You would think with the Wizard of Oz it would be popular...weird..
