David revealed as most heroic name in a challenging year

Despite being the most challenging year in many people’s lifetime, 2020 has not been short of heroes.

And new analysis has revealed David is the most common name amongst this year’s most admirable characters.

From actor David Suchet and politician David Hanson, who were both awarded Knight Bachelor Awards in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours List, to David King who won gold in the 110-metre hurdles at this year’s British Athletic Championships, the name David is common amongst heroes from all aspects of life.

In addition to high-profile Davids, there were a host of everyday heroes of the same name who were recognised for their hard work and bravery this year.

For example, British Citizens Awards were given to two Davids, David Gentry and David Facey, in recognition of the incredible charity work they do within their communities.

The analysis, commissioned by British name label manufacturer My Nametags, found the name Paul came in a close second, appearing regularly amongst have-a-go heroes and world-renowned names.

Perhaps the highest profile of them all, Paul R Milgrom, was awarded a Nobel Prize for economic science this year, recognising his work in improving auction theory.

Biker Paul Redfern won a Pride of Britain Award for leading a group of lifesaving volunteers who deliver vital blood supplies to hospitals, whilst paramedic Paul Henry was awarded the Queen’s Ambulance Medal, recognizing 40 years of hard work caring for patients.

Jessica sits in third place and is the name that appears most frequently amongst heroines, with several women of the same name achieving incredible things throughout 2020.

The name Jessica is particularly common amongst sporting icons, with an incredible four Jessicas taking home medals at the 2020 British Athletics Championships, including Jessica Judd, who won gold in the 5,000 metres.

Jessica is also common amongst community heroes.

Jessica Thompson, founder of Migrateful, was recognised in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Social Entrepreneurs list for her work supporting refugees to integrate and access employment via cooking classes.

The name Michael joins Jessica in third place. Michael Houghton received a Nobel Prize for his role in discovering the Hepatitis C Virus and creating medicines that have saved millions of lives.

Lifesaver Michael Bryan was acknowledged in the Unsung Hero Awards, which recognise vital non-medical NHS staff and volunteers, after developing an app that has successfully diagnosed more than 1,000 people with Parkinson’s disease.

Katie also makes an appearance in 2020’s list of heroes, with two being recognised at this year’s Pride of Britain Awards.

Katie Holmes, a young woman with cerebral palsy, took the Teenager of Courage award for raising money to help others suffering with the illness, whilst her namesake, Katie Smith, was awarded the Stephen Sutton Inspiration Award after raising thousands of pounds to help fund research into brain tumours.

The name Tom joins them in the top 10. This is due, in part, to the successes of Captain Sir Tom Moore, who raised an incredible £32 million for the NHS after pledging to walk 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday.

The name also appeared frequently amongst sporting heroes, whilst entertainer Tommy Steele was awarded a Knighthood for services entertainment and charity.

Lars B Andersen, managing director at My Nametags, said: ‘We know people often come together during challenging to

Captain Sir Tom Moore. ‘Tom’ comes in at number five on the list of 2020’s most heroic male names.

times and we have been heartened to see just how many people have been doing great things to help their communities and inspire the nation in 2020.’