We were recently given a tea-cloth by a friend. It is one of those produced by primary schools and sold to raise funds, with little self-portraits produced by each child printed on it,and with their name underneath.

We had some amusement looking at the pictures and noted that at least two of the boys appear to be direct descendants of Adolph Hitler.

However, on further inspection, it occurred to me that of the 215 contributors, there were only about two with names that any children at my primary school would have shared (Robert and William).

Okay, it is a long time since I started school in 1958, and I am aware that fashions for names have changed, but it still came as a surprise to see just how much change has taken place in the naming of children. I should add that the school in question is in a semi-rural Sussex location and has very few immigrant children (who might have been expected to have different names)

For boys, gone are the Pauls and Peters, Andrews and Alans, Richards and Rogers, Dereks and Davids etc .. now we have Joshuas, Calebs, Samsons, Oscars, Archies, Sauls and Finlays.

On the female side we have lost the Julies and Janes, Beverleys and Brendas, Catherines and Carolines. Instead there is Ava, Amelie, Kacey, Hollie,Keira, Scarlett, and even an Autumn.

There aren't even any Elizabeths, a name that perennially used to top the list of most popular girl's names.

Yet another reason to feel old!

Mohammed for exanple !!

Pro USA & Israel

Two Noah’s in my daughters class. Seems to be a mix of old fashioned names (Noah, Harry), trendy names (Kai, Zane) and kiddie versions of old names (Alfie, Olly, Freddie). The girls names are more varied.

My daughter was thinking of calling her son Noah. I told her it was a crap name. Subtle like that I am.

Ark at her!

Palace since 19 August 1972. Palace 1 (Tony Taylor) Liverpool 1 (Emlyn Hughes)

It has been said that fashion is "In one era and out of the other" !!

Some of the old names are coming into vogue IE Edith, Alice,Florence,Arthur, Archie etc etc. Perhaps Elma, Blanche,Basil,Nigel etc might also make comebacks.