I often get acknowledged by name - probably half the time.

This is likely to do with my very french surname. Almost every flight I take is to or from Toronto, and I always get the french speaking attendant coming by and recognizing me by name if french. It even happened last week on YVR-LAX.

I appreciate it when the in-charge takes the time to go through the J cabin, and sometimes the Y cabin, and acknowledge the SEs and other VIPs by name. Ususally they'll do it on longer flights when they've coming by to confirm the meals - it's ususally the more senior in-charges who do this, and they may be recalling a time when chivalry mattered.