This is the video that first got me thinking about this issue. It's pretty shocking.

For background on why these fibres - and the drones that use them - are so prevalent, see this: www.bbc.com/news/article...

I don't have any particular expertise relevant to this, but I'm pleased that some people who do are also sounding the alarm. It's one of many grim effects of Russia's invasion, and one of many things Ukraine will need help in fixing when peace finally arrives.
ceobs.org/plastic-poll...

I hadn't thought about that potential connection! It's worth noting, though, that these aren't the most popular names per se, just the most popular ones that are very rare in the other country. That means the table isn't very helpful for picking out these kinds of trends in popularity over time

This was the first name on the list that made me go, ah yes, this is 100% American 😂

Ok, well thank you for making my brain itch... To sooth it, I found some data on common names for babies born in 2023 and 1996 (the oldest common date - basically young adults now). You have statistically sound vibes! The names you mentioned are all in UK - but not US - top 100 lists.
Top 10s here 👇