Mark or Marc? Claire or Clare? Britons pick favoured spellings

STEPHEN has triumphed over Steven, and Mark reigns victorious over Marc, after the British public decided the best spelling of long-contested names.

Yougov conducted polling to determine the most popular variant of common names, settling centuries of grumblings about which is “correct”.

Unfortunately for the Karls, Nathalies and Laurences of the world, the country prefers rival versions.

The findings buck a trend for lesscommon spellings for names, with the ONS reporting that newborn babies are more likely to be called Jaxon than Jackson. However, Yougov found Jaxon is preferred as a spelling by just 4per cent of the population, compared with 87per opting for Jackson (9per cent had no preference).

Joe similarly routed Jo in the poll, as 87 per cent of those questioned said they preferred it, compared with 4per cent who opted for Jo. John, Martin, Mark and Dennis were among the male names to achieve commanding leads over their rivals – Jon, Martyn, Marc and Denis.

Other battles were more closely contested. Stephen narrowly fended off Steven, earning 47per cent of the public’s backing against 29per cent.

And while 86per cent of people prefer the name Rebecca to Rebekah, only 45per cent preferred Lindsey to Lindsay (31per cent).

Three-way variations were also put to the public, with Sean chosen by 49 per cent of respondents, over Shaun (32per cent) and Shawn (5per cent).

Abbie was the spelling of choice for 47per cent, as opposed to Abby (23per cent) and Abbey (12 per cent).

The poll also revealed a generational divide in views on how names should be spelt.

Gerry was the preferred spelling for those aged 65 and over, but 61per cent of those aged between 18 and 24 liked Jerry instead.