Star of the 1980s, but star until the end of the 2020s. Some first names have succeeded in a beautiful amalgamation: that of classicism and modernity. Nicolas, Aurélie, Céline and Julien are now well-established adults. Between the 1980s and 1990s, they were the school stars. Today, they still frequent it, but more discreetly.
Are the popular names of the 1980s still in fashion?
The rankings of the most popular first names of the year are regularly the subject of much attention. So, let’s leave Jade, Gabriel, Louise or Raphaël aside for a moment to look at some former glories that are not so fallen. Are the first names of our young forty-somethings really out of fashion in 2024?
Nicolas is the first child star of the 1980s that we would like to hear about. During this decade, no fewer than 146,103 Nicolas were born, making this first name the most given, both sexes combined, of the 1980s. Although it experienced a slow decline in the following decades, little Nicolas never hit rock bottom. In 2022, 328 Nicolas were born in France. This first name was the 202nd most given that year among boys. The other star of the eighties is our friend Julien. As this first name was given 145,911 times in ten years. Also, you necessarily have (at least) one among your work colleagues. In 2022, only 164 “Juju” were born.
Aurélie, the ambassador of the 1980s
In the 1980s, the female pendant of our two lads, it was Aurélie. At the time, this first name had been given about 11,300 times on average each year. If, like her classmates, she has lost some of her splendor, Aurélie continues to seduce parents in search of soft sounds, but above all, sure values.
Stable, simple and romantic, the name Aurélie is on the way to becoming a retro first name and that’s a good thing! Although the average age of people with the name Aurélie is 38, this new “old” label should earn them a lot of maternity bracelets. Indeed, the retro name is timeless. As a result, it is highly sought after by our parents-to-be.
A new retro first name that no longer leaves you indifferent
Give her a few more years. Aurélie will slowly climb back up the rankings she once topped. It must be said that she will always have the makings of an idol. The name Aurélie comes from the Latin word aurelia which means “golden”. This first name has also often been related to the Latin term aurum which is the equivalent of the Greek aurios, “morning” or “dawn”. Aurélie is also a martyr celebrated every October 15, venerated in Strasbourg since the beginnings of Christianity.
In terms of character, Aurélie is (almost) always accommodating. Calm and discreet, Aurélie is more of a “morning person”, as her first name suggests, which refers to the dawn. However, it is better to be wary of still waters. A lover of freedom, Aurélie cannot stand being walked on and can be fierce when necessary.
