Weird stuff is a certifiable mega hit, so it’s no surprise that its effects are being felt in many areas of our lives.
It seems that even children’s names haven’t gone unscathed – while correlation doesn’t prove causation, there are quite a few names shared with characters from the show that have risen in popularity recently.
The team at retail chain Bella Baby has cracked the numbers, using stats from Baby Name UK and Google Trends to compile a list of Stranger Things-like baby names that have become more frequent in recent years.
female names
Max
Max, short for Maxine, as a name for girls, has risen in popularity by 403 places in the past year, bringing the overall UK ranking to 1,497 out of 5,493.
It is of Latin origin and means ‘largest’, which fits Max Mayfield to the ground.
Nancy
Nancy has moved up three places to 66 out of 5,493 in the past year.
It is of Hebrew origin and means ‘form of Anna, merciful’.
Karen
Perhaps a surprising entry with the meme in mind, Karen has moved up 167 spots in the past year.
It means ‘pure’ and is of Greek origin.
Robin
Robin, another potentially gender neutral option, has moved up 348 places, bringing the overall UK ranking to 397 out of 5,493.
It means ‘bright flame’ and is of German origin.
Erica
Erica the character is iconic so it’s no wonder the name made this list.
It has Latin origin and means, fittingly, ‘honorable ruler’.
male names
Dustin
Dustin has jumped a whopping 2,823 places in the past five years, including a jump of 354 places in the past year. The overall UK ranking is 1,085 out of 4,608.
It has German origins, meaning ‘brave fighter’, and another great advantage is the ability to shorten it to Dusty – cute.
Mike
Mike, who is of Hebrew origin and short for Michael, has risen 993 places in the past year and the overall UK ranking is 1,273 out of 4,608.
It means ‘who is like God’ – so no pressure, dear.
Luke
The boys name Lucas remains consistently popular in the UK, with an overall ranking of 25 out of 4,608.
It means ‘bringer of light’ and is of Latin origin.
Steve
Yes, of course Steve, the name of the character who has stolen hearts all over the world, would be on this list.
Steven or Stephen, is of Greek descent and has risen 331 places in the past year to an overall UK ranking of 1,935 out of 4,608.
It means ‘wreath/crown’ – is anyone else thinking of Steve’s glorious mane?
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