The origin of names

A crucial decision that many soon-to-be parents labor over is the choice of a name for their child. While most names may seem ordinary and "mainstream," what our parents name us is often based on what is considered high culture at the time. Unlike in fashion, television or art, many people do not shop for baby names in Hollywood but instead just look to the biggest house on the street for ideas. Parents always want the best for their child, and sometimes the best begins with a reputable name. Here, the "trickle-down effect" is in play, once a name catches on among high-income and high-status groups, it begins to move down the socioeconomic latter and quickly looses its originality and popularity in high culture. Like many movies, or works of art, as soon as something that was once original becomes mainstreamed and commercialized it looses its true value. Some parents may be very clear in the aspirations that they have for their children: Yale, Princeton, President were all names of children born in California born in the 1990s. For many, it may not be the literal meaning of the name that holds the value but rather the ideological meaning behind them that associates them with the high class. 

A list of the most popular names for white girls in the 1980 and 2000 were compiled by a professor at the University of Chicago.  Additionally, a list of most popular high-end names were compiled and a list of most popular low end names. On the list, Lauren and Madison were two of the most popular high end names during the 1990's, and were among the most popular names in 2000. On the other hand, while Amber and Heather were some of the most popular names in the 1980's, in 2000 they were considered among the most popular low end names. An interesting phenomena and cycles are clearly appearing here and they appear to be based on the desire for many to become members of the high culture. Unlike art and many other high culture activities that require a certain income, a name, if chosen correctly may secure a child a spot in high society free of charge.

Here is the full article for reference: http://www.slate.com/id/2116505/