Old-fashioned names are becoming much rarer for babies, a new survey reveals. Photo / Getty Images
Old-fashioned names are becoming much rarer for babies, a new survey reveals. Photo / Getty Images
Britain’s most popular baby names have been revealed and there’s an interesting trend emerging when it comes to favoured monikers.
The Office of National Statistics (ONS) has shared the latest name data from births in 2022 across England and Wales, and Noah and Olivia are still the most popularnames in the country.
Olivia has topped the annual list for the seventh year in a row, while Amelia, Isla and Ava followed in popularity.
Meanwhile, Oliver dropped to second place in 2021 after being the most popular name for eight years and was overtaken by Noah.
ONS data also revealed the moniker Muhammed, which came in at 20 in the 2012 research, has become a much-loved name among Brits, now ranking at No 2 on the most popular boy names list.
Other names in the top five include George and Leo, while former favourite Oliver has dropped a few places to fourth.
According to Dr James Tucker, who works for ONS, old-fashioned monikers are becoming less used.
He says: “Noah was the most popular name for boys in 2022, for the second year in a row, having replaced Oliver at the top in 2021. Oliver has now slipped to the fourth most popular boys’ name, behind Muhammad and George.
“Olivia remained the most popular girls’ name in 2022, having held the top spot since 2016. In second and third place for the girls it’s Amelia and Isla, both unchanged from 2021.
“Theodore, Theo and Freddie are three new entries into the top 10 boys’ names in 2022. Isabella is the only new entry into the girls’ top 10.”
And if you’re lost on ideas when it comes to naming your new arrival, look no further than Hollywood for inspiration, says Tucker.
“Popular culture continues to influence parents’ baby name choices. Today we have also published analysis exploring cultural influences that could be inspiring baby name trends, from hit TV shows to musical icons.”
According to ONS’s research, the most well-liked monikers between 1996 and 2021, such as Lauren, have plummeted in popularity.
