How popular is yourbaby’sname?
OFFICIAL data shows how parents in the region are picking the same names for their children as counterparts across the country.
The findings, from the Office for National Statistics, list the names of babies born in England and Wales in 2016 as written on birth certificates.
These are the most recent figures available.
While there were some regional differences, parents in the East Midlands were sticking to formula with the most popular boys’ names, Oliver and Harry, and most popular girls names’, Amelia and Olivia also featuring in the top two of the England and Wales league overall.
Only two regions out of 10 departed from this with the boys’ names.
In London and the West Midlands, Muhammed topped the charts.
There are other names gaining momentum.
Harper has seen the biggest rise in popularity for girls - possibly due to the Beckhams calling their daughter that, while Jaxon is now the 51st most popular boys’ name.
It has climbed 682 places in a decade - perhaps based on the popularity of celebrities with a first or last name of Jackson, or characters in cult series such as Sons of Anarchy.
More unusual titles include
Boys’ Names East Midlands Oliver Harry George Charlie Jacob Jack Noah Oscar William Alfie Girls’ Names Amelia Olivia Isla Emily Ava Lily Evie Sophie Charlotte Isabella Bane for a boy and Hennessy for a girl, along with Marvellous for both.
Locally no records are kept for baby naming so taking the ONS regional findings is the best way to gauge what monikers are floating the boat for mums and dads.
England and Wales Girls Olivia Amelia Emily Isla Ava Isabella Lily Jessica Ella Mia Boys Oliver Harry George Jack Jacob Noah Charlie Muhammad Thomas Oscar