As we usher in a new year, many expectant parents will be eagerly compiling lists of potential names, with a plethora of trendy options to consider. However, there are a few once-favoured names that you’re unlikely to see as the 2025 birth announcements start rolling in.
The latest list of the top 100 baby names for boys and girls has been unveiled, and while perennial favourites Olivia and Muhammad continue to hold the top spots, there are certainly a few unexpected entries. According to the most recent BabyCentre data, the elegant classics Margot and Gabriella have made their debut in the girls’ top 100, ranking at 88 and 99 respectively, adding a touch of sophistication to the list.
But as some names rise in popularity, others have seen a decline. Much like its astronomical connotation, the previously trendy name Nova, which shone brightly at spot number 94 in 2023, has now faded from the charts, dropping out of the top 100 altogether.
The delightful Lilly, a popular choice for generations, has also met the same fate. While the Lily spelling continues to flourish, the double L variant has wilted.
Over in the boys’ category, the long-standing top 100 name Jason has taken a nosedive and is conspicuously absent from this year’s list, reports the Mirror.
The top names for newborns are holding steady, noted Faye Mingo, Chief Marketing Officer at BabyCentre. “The top names for both boys and girls have remained largely consistent with last year’s picks, but a few notable trends have emerged. Surname-inspired names for boys like Hunter and Harrison are on the rise, and there’s a trend of girls’ names ending in ‘a,’ like favourites Olivia and Amelia.”
“It’s clear that while parents are embracing some fresh twists, the classic choices still hold strong, and parents are looking for a name with timeless appeal.”
This comes following the Office for National Statistics (ONS) releasing its annual tally of England and Wales’s most popular baby names.
A range of interesting tendencies have surfaced this iteration. Notably, almost half of the top 100 girls’ names end in ‘A’, which includes Emma (rising by 13 spots to 76) and Ariella (climbing by 13 to 84).
On the boys’ side, the trend continues towards robust surname-first names, as American-inspired options such as Hunter, Hudson, Mason, Harrison, and Logan bring dynamic, modern flair to the naming scene. Unique spelling variations contribute to this year’s individualistic feel, with Sophia and Sofia enjoying parallel popularity, while the perennial favourite Muhammad is accompanied by variant spellings Mohammad and Mohammed among the top used names.
There’s been a noticeable rise in both the short and long forms of traditional names. For instance, Theodore, Theo, and Teddy are all popular picks, as formal full names and casual nicknames alike see an increase in popularity.
This trend is clear with Thomas, which has moved up to 25th place, and its more informal counterpart Tommy, sitting at number 27. The pattern continues with sophisticated Oliver (ranked fifth) and relaxed Ollie (at number 80).