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How Mary, Margaret and Jean went out of fashion

By Stefan Morkis

April 2 2015, 11:03am

MARY and John are the top ranking names for elderly care home residents, according to a new study. Bupa home services reviewed names of residents at their 27 care homes in Scotland. The results show how trends have changed over the years, with only one - James - also featured among last years most popular baby names. Residents at BUPA's Haydale Care Home in Glasgow, Mary Dean, 58 and John Conroy, 67 were pleased to hear their names toppped the poll. (c) Wullie Marr/DEADLINE NEWS For pic details, contact Wullie Marr........... 07989359845

A new survey has revealed how names have gone in and out of fashion in Scotland.

It was revealed last year that Jack and Emily are now the most popular names for baby boys and girls in Scotland, while less common names chosen by parents included Spartacus, Diesel and Thor.

But Bupa Care Services has now carried out a survey of residents in its care homes to find out what names were the most popular in earlier generations.

Research conducted across 27 Bupa care homes in Scotland found Mary and John are the most popular names among its residents.

Other bygone names that figure on the Bupa list include Abraham, Euphemia, Gertrude, Williamina and Magdelena. Mary and John did not figure in the top 10 names in 2014.

Tim Ellis, chief executive of National Records of Scotland,said: “This research shows yet again how fascinating the issue of personal identity is for us all, and the value of information about Scotland’s people and history.

“It’s now 160 years since civil registration of births began in Scotland and I’m delighted that National Records of Scotland’s recent release of information about baby names has stimulated this additional interest.

“We have now released comprehensive statistical information on first names registered in Scotland back to 1974, and will be looking to extend the release of data back to 1855 later this year.”

Kirsty Dace, area director of Bupa Care Homes Scotland,said: “It’s fantastic to have an insight to the many names of all of our residents across Scotland as it provides a real picture to the naming habits of yesteryear. “The findings provide the most telling example of our changing times and to what is now considered old-fashioned when it comes to a first name.” The Bupa research reviewed more than 2500 names across all of its care homes within Scotland.