Choosing a baby name can be one of the toughest decisions for parents-to-be. Summing up your beloved baby in a name is one tricky choice. Whether you want to pick a totally unique name or head down the more traditional route, the selection can be overwhelming. So, mamas out there may be wondering which direction to look for inspiration.
The Office for National Statistics has just released the results for the most popular baby names of 2017 and, drumroll please, Oliver and Olivia top the charts for another year running.
The top 10 baby names for boys
1. Oliver
2. Harry
3. George
4. Noah
5. Jack
6. Jacob
7. Leo
8. Oscar
9. Charlie
10. Muhammad
Oliver has remained top of the charts for boys since 2013, followed closed by Harry and George which have royally held second and third place since 2016. 2017 was a big year for Leo which debuted in the Top 10 replacing Thomas. Aaron and Jasper dropped out of the Top 100, replaced by Hunter (debuting in the Top 100) and Ralph (first time in Top 100 since 1944).
The top 10 baby names for girls
1. Olivia
2. Amelia
3. Isla
4. Ava
5. Emily
6. Isabella
7. Mia
8. Poppy
9. Ella
10. Lily
Olivia and Amelia have held their ground in first and second place for another year, followed by rising star Isla. Poppy crept in to replace Jessica and it seems that parents-to-be in 2017 took a fancy to girls names ending in ‘a’, 70% of the Top 10 end in ‘a’.
Unique baby names
If its individuality that you’re after, Lexi, Zoe, Maddison, Sarah, Felicity and Lydia, are all good options as they all dropped out of the Top 100 in favour for Orla Edith, Bonnie, Lyla and Hallie (all making their debut in the Top 100 apart from Edith which last featured in 1934). You’re not alone if you want to ensure your baby’s name is individual, 9% of baby names in 2017 were completely unique and had never been recorded before.
2017 also saw the journey towards gender equality reflected in baby naming trends with gender neutral names appearing in the chart, Arlo, Riley, Blake and Harley all appear as both boys and girls names. Celebrity and popularity also have an intrinsic link when it comes to names such as Harper (Victoria and David Beckham), Luna (Chrissy Teigen and John Legend) and of course The Royals; George, Charlotte and Louis. Arya, for girls, has rocketed in popularity; we’re looking at you Arya Stark from Games of Thrones.
Whether you choose to go traditional or individual, whatever you choose for your little one, we’re sure it will be perfect!