Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden has released the top baby names in 2024, and the results aren’t surprising.
“For the secondconsecutive year, Noah has claimed the top spot for boys with 250 babies sharing the name, while Isla has returned to the most popular girls’ name after narrowly missing out in 2023, with 190 baby Isla’s,” said van Velden in a statement to media.
“This marks the third time in five years that Isla has topped the list for girls, and the fourth year Noah has appeared in the top two.”
Last year the Department of Internal Affairs registered 59,199 births with a total of 19,404 unique names.
The most popular baby names in 2024 were Noah and Isla. Photo / 123rf
Van Velden noted a “regional difference” when it came to naming our baby boys, as Jack was the most popular boys’ name among those born in the South Island last year.
“Noah, however, led in the North Island, being the top name in Auckland, Waikato, Taranaki, and Northland regions,” she added.
While Isla was the most popular girls’ name overall, Charlotte, Amelia, Lily, Harper, Aria, and Ella all claimed top spots. In 2023, Amelia, Isla, Olivia, Harper, and Willow were some of the most popular girls’ names, showing little has changed.
Van Velden said her own name was given to 14 baby girls, with several little Brookes born across the country.
She noted that Prime Minister Christopher Luxon had “his first name chosen for 24 newborns”.
“Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters was more exclusive, with fewer than five babies being named Winston while Minister David Seymour shared his first name with 62 babies last year.”
The minister reminded Kiwis that it was essential to register their babies once they are born.
“[It’s] an important first step in ensuring that they have an official identity, allowing them to access their legal rights as they grow up,” she said, pointing to the department’s SmartStart platform.
“It also has guidance for families about their children’s first years, including information about what services and assistance may be available to families.”
In New Zealand, parents are encouraged to register their babies within two months of their birth.
