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, landing at 88 and 99 respectively, adding a touch of sophistication to the list.
But as some names rise in popularity, others inevitably fall. Much like its astronomical connotation, the previously trendy Nova shone brightly in 2023, twinkling at spot number 94.
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However, it has now faded from the charts, at least for the time being, having dropped out of the top 100 entirely. 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 now wilted. Over on the boys’ side, the long-standing top 100 name Jason has taken a nosedive and is conspicuously absent from this year’s list, reports the Mirror.
Faye Mingo, Chief Marketing Officer at BabyCentre, observed: “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.”
She added, “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 commentary arrived on the heels of the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealing its annual figures for the most popular baby names in England and Wales last week. The analysis highlighted some fascinating developments, such as nearly half of this year’s top 100 girls’ names finishing with an ‘A’, showcasing significant rises like Emma (Up by 13 spots to 76) and Ariella (Up by 13 spots to 84).
In addition, parents are showing a preference for robust surnames-as-first-names for their boys, opting for gutsy, American-influenced choices including Hunter, Hudson, Mason, Harrison, and Logan, infusing the naming landscape with a dynamic, modern vibe. Inventive spelling variations have also made a mark in this year’s statistics, with Sophia and Sofia flourishing concurrently.
The leading boy’s name Muhammad has witnessed the inclusion of alternate spellings in the top 100, with Mohammad and Mohammed accompanying it.
There’s been a noticeable rise in both 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 the steady Thomas, moving up one spot to 25, and the more relaxed Tommy, sitting at number 27. The refined Oliver (at number five) and easy-going Ollie (at number 80) also follow this distinct pattern.