Prime Minister Tom Smith XVI

I am part of a generation where the name Steven, whilst a common-sounding name, is not common at all. The generations before me, that of my parents, is where the name has flourished; it's the name of my father, my friend's father, that guy who died (from that band, y'know), and I'm sure, many other fathers, too. The generation I am in is one of the Jas', the Ashtons, the Jordans and the ridiculous names such as Porscia. But it is amongst this generation that a more obvious observation is there, and that my generation is plagued by Toms. Tom is the new 'Steven'.

In my life time, I presume, and presuming I am only, there will be a Prime Minister called Tom Smith. Whether a Thomas, Tom, or Tomas, who even cares? You still have to list through several second names before you're on the same page with someone when you talk of a Tom.

The rare-breeds, the dying out, the Ottos as myself and the classic-but-classy-still names like Helen, are the minorities. We are the ones who will not live to see PM Goav Sweetrail Pendragon. But at least in 50 years time, when the demise of the Steven is nigh, they'll still be here, not as remotely susceptive as I to these important notions. National security is at stake, perhaps.