Boris is on the up but Jeremy’s slipping ...when it comes to naming our babies

THEY like to think they influence public thinking. But politicians are far from our minds when we choose baby names.

The number of babies called Boris has risen in the wake of Brexit, but only from 2 in 2015 to 9 last year – despite Boris Johnson’s prominence.

The Prime Minister might be pleased to know there was also a slight increase in Theresas, from 15 to 19, figures for England and Wales show.

However the number of Jeremys is falling – from 99 in 2015, the year Jeremy Corbyn was elected Labour leader, to 54 last year. A further 18 babies were called Corbyn, though, the Office for National Statistics revealed.

But the really bad news is for arch Brexiteer Nigel Farage. There may have been no Nigels born last year.

The name fails to register in the ONS

figures, meaning there were between zero and two. Oliver remains the most popular choice for a boy, ahead of Harry, George and Jack.

Olivia tops the list of girls’ names, ahead of Amelia with Emily in third.

Charlotte, chosen by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for their daughter, moved up to 12th.

Muhammad is now the eighth most popular boy’s name. However, it would top the list if two common alternative spellings were included.

Jaxon was the fastest growing boy’s name, taking 51st place – well ahead of the more orthodox Jackson.