Charlotte and Oliver hold their popularity

Step aside William, Sarah and Tama – there are some more popular baby names on the block.

Charlotte and Oliver were once again crowned the most popular baby names in New Zealand for 2018.

Mia and Nikau were also the most loved Ma¯ori names, both overseas and in New Zealand.

The popular names list was released by the Department of Internal Affairs on Thursday.

About 13,668 different first names were given to 59,302 babies in 2018. Charlotte and Oliver have been consistent in popularity for many years. Oliver has been the most popular boy’s name for six years in a row.

Oliver’s female counterpart, Olivia, has also been in close competition with Charlotte since 2011, with the two swapping first and second place many times.

Jack and Isla were ranked second most popular this year.

Nikau remains number one for the most popular Ma¯ ori boy’s

Top 10 names:

Girls

1. Charlotte; 2. Isla; 3. Olivia;

4. Amelia; 5. Ella; 6. Harper;

7. Isabella; 8. Emily; 9. Mia; 10. Ava Boys

1. Oliver; 2. Jack; 3. Noah; 4. Leo;

5. Hunter; 6. George; 7. Lucas;

8. James; 9. William; 10. Mason

name, having topped the list for the past few years, while Mia is a new entry.

Jeff Montgomery, RegistrarGeneral of Births, Deaths and Marriages, said it was exciting to see an increase in popularity of Ma¯ ori names worldwide.

‘‘Our names are an important part of our identity, our culture, and often, our heritage. People of all different beliefs and cultures recognise that the naming of a child is powerful and significant.

‘‘It’s great that Kiwis and even those overseas are engaging with our Ma¯ ori culture.’’

The top Ma¯ori baby names were calculated and researched in partnership with Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Ma¯ ori, the Ma¯ ori Language Commission.