Amber Cimotti, a mother whose TikTok video went viral, found herself taken aback when her daughter casually remarked that names like Ashley and Amanda are considered "old people names" nowadays. This simple observation sparked a broader conversation about the evolution of names and their association with different generations.
In her video, which amassed over 3 million views, Amber shared her daughter's perspective on names. According to her daughter, contemporary names like Scarlett, Charlotte, Olivia, Penelope, Isabella, and Bella are considered "young people names." In contrast, names like Ashley, Amanda, and Amber - names that were once popular among millennials - now seem dated to younger generations.
Amber expressed surprise at her daughter's classification of certain names as "old," realizing that what was once trendy and youthful is now perceived differently by newer generations. She humorously likened names like Ashley and Amanda to the older generation's Margaret or Barbara, suggesting a shift in naming trends over time.
The video's comment section further highlighted this generational divide, with one user making a reference to the song "Mambo Number 5" as a humorous marker of names that have fallen out of fashion. The song, popular in the late 90s, mentions several female names, including Angela, Pamela, Sandra, and Rita, which are now associated with older generations.
@ciaoamberc #momlife #millennial #millennialsoftiktok #parenting original sound - Ciao AmberC
Interestingly, statistical data supports this observation. According to Mama Natural, Ashley was the third most popular name for American babies born between 1991 and 1996. However, by 2021, its popularity had significantly declined, with the name ranked 154th.
This viral TikTok video and the ensuing discussion highlight the cultural shifts in naming trends and the perception of names across different generations. It serves as a reminder that names, like fashion and trends, evolve over time, reflecting broader societal changes and generational preferences.