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Baby Was A Name? Kerala's Surprising Naming Trends
9 Feb
Summary
- Some girl names gained popularity due to cinema and celebrity influence.
- A Malayalam song made the name Fathima widely popular.
- Baby was a common girl's name in Kerala during the 1960s.
Kerala's naming conventions reveal a rich tapestry of cultural influence and historical moments, as evidenced by an analysis of voter lists from 1920 to 2007. Names are not chosen arbitrarily but are deeply intertwined with cinema, music, and societal changes.
The name Aishwarya experienced a gradual increase in popularity, aligning with growing cultural visibility and the impact of cinema on household decisions. Similarly, Fathima saw a significant surge after a popular Malayalam song featured the name, demonstrating music's influence on naming trends.
Distinctive patterns emerged, such as Bindhu and Sindhu often being given to siblings, peaking in mid-20th century popularity. Surprisingly, 'Baby' was a widely used name for girls in the 1960s, a unique trend in Kerala's naming history. The popularity of Sheela was also largely attributed to a prominent Malayalam film actress.
Overall, these names serve as historical markers, each telling a story of its time. From Aishwarya's steady rise to Baby's unexpected prevalence, Kerala's girl names are more than labels; they are quiet records of culture, influence, and evolving times.
