Most Popular Baby Names 2015: Top Boys' Names Are Firm Favourites But Girls' Names Have New Entries
BabyCentre Releases Top 100 Baby Names Of 2015
Amy Packham— The Huffington Post UK
|
A parenting and pregnancy site has released their official top 100 baby names of 2015, from a survey of more than 50,000 parents.
Olivia has regained the top spot for girls’ names, jumping up three places from last year's BabyCentre survey and taking the crown from Sophia.
In the boys’ chart, Muhammad has stayed as the most popular boys' name for the second year running.
BabyCentre's baby names survey includes the names chosen by 53,292 of the website's members based throughout the UK who gave birth in 2015.
Open Image Modal
Other names in the boys’ top five are regular favourites, with Oliver, Jack, Noah and Jacob all non-movers.
Thomas re-entered the top 10 after falling just outside in 2014, while Joshua fell out of the top 10 altogether (moving down three places to 11).
For the girls, Sophia, Lily and Emily join Olivia in the top four of the girls’ list for the third year in a row, while Isabelle re-enters at number seven.
Another new entry in the top 10 girl's names is Ella, which hasn’t featured in the top 10 since 2008.
Sasha Miller, international managing editor of BabyCentre, said influences from 2015 such as the General Election (the name David jumped eight places and Cameron jumped four) and rising stars, such as vlogger Zoe Sugg, have influenced parents' choice in names.
"Whether it’s Ella Henderson topping the charts or Deliciously Ella cleaning up our eating habits, popular celebrities have a clear influence," Said Miller.
"This has been a huge year for the name Zoe, which leapt a whopping 44 places to number 32 in the chart. With Zoella (Zoe Sugg) continuing to lead the vlogger charge, Zoe Kravitz back on the big screen, Zoe Ball on our screens every night on It Takes Two and Zooey Deschanel starting a family, it’s not hard to see why."
Open Image Modal
"While some parents still like to be creative in their choice of baby names, the most popular girls' names are becoming increasingly concentrated on variations of a very small number of firm favourites," Miller added.
Royal influences don't seem to be as prominent this year - Charlotte fell down eight places to 25, Elizabeth is down 24 places to number 55, and Victoria has exited the top 100, dropping from number 80 in 2014.
However, the name George has climbed to number 12 and parents seem to be taking royal names more literally, with Princess, Prince, King and Queen all registered as first names this year.
Some parents might be pleased to know the Frozen effect is dying out, as Elsa exited the top 100, after being at number 75 last year.
What do you think of this year's list? Comments below, please.
BelleHere’s a little known fact: In “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens, Ebenezer Scrooge has a long, lost love named Belle. Belle was engaged to Scrooge, but she eventually left him because he loved money more than her. This beautiful name also has several other ties to Christmas. Belle could be a reference to the sleigh bells we hear this time of year or to the Disney heroine whose story takes place mostly in the winter. (credit:Ariel Skelley via Getty Images)
Girl Names(02 of20)
Open Image Modal
EveCapture the magic and excitement of Christmas Eve with this lovely moniker. Eve means “life” and also has a number of beautiful variations, including Evie, Eva and Evelyn. (credit:Jordan Reeder - Reeder Studios, LLC via Getty Images)
Girl Names(03 of20)
Open Image Modal
Gabriella Gabriel is a common boy name associated with Christmas thanks to the angel in the Bible’s nativity story. While it’s certainly a festive name, we love prefer the less common name Gabriella for a girl. Gabriella is a strong, but feminine moniker that has a number of unique nicknames, such as Gaby or Ella. (credit:ULTRA.F via Getty Images)
Girl Names(04 of20)
Open Image Modal
OliveThis name comes from “Olive, the Other Reindeer,” a children’s book about a dog who thinks he’s a reindeer after mishearing the lyrics from “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” In 1999, the book was turned into a TV movie and has been a hit with kids ever since. Olive is a great choice for parents who dislike super-feminine names that end in “a,” such as Olivia. The moniker is also coming back into fashion thanks to Drew Barrymore and Isla Fisher, who chose the name for their daughters. (credit:JFCreative via Getty Images)
Girl Names(05 of20)
Open Image Modal
AngelinaAngels have always been associated with Christmas because of the holiday’s religious connection. While Angel is a great Christmas baby name, a more subtle choice is Angelina, which actually means “angel.” Angela has the same meaning and would also make a great name for a baby girl. (credit:Ariel Skelley via Getty Images)
Girl Names(06 of20)
Open Image Modal
EstelleThe name Estelle perfectly captures the image of twinkling lights we see on our houses and trees. The moniker means “star” and is a bound to become rather trendy thanks to its “elle” sound. In 2014, Estelle was number 906 on the list of most popular baby names for girls. (credit:Jupiterimages via Getty Images)
Girl Names(07 of20)
Open Image Modal
CadyThis alternative spelling of Katie makes this name unique and trendy. Cady can be associated with the French word for present, which is “cadeaux.” (credit:Melpomenem via Getty Images)
Girl Names(08 of20)
Open Image Modal
NoraBetween the Christmas lights, roaring fires and candlelit dinners, houses are always lit up during the holiday season. To capture the essence of this and the season’s bright, holiday cheer, try the name Nora. The moniker means “light.” (credit:Copyright Crezalyn Nerona Uratsuji via Getty Images)
Girl Names(09 of20)
Open Image Modal
Seraphina There are so many reasons why we love this name! Not only is Seraphina beautiful and unique, but it also means “fiery,” giving a subtle nod to the warm, toasty fires we all enjoy during the holiday season. (credit:Adam Hester via Getty Images)
Girl Names(10 of20)
Open Image Modal
NatalieIf you’re expecting a baby girl on Christmas Day, Natalie is the name for you! The moniker means “birthday of the Lord” and is a beautiful, classic choice. (credit:DreamPictures via Getty Images)
Boy Names(11 of20)
Open Image Modal
FelixFelix means “happy” and “fortunate,” which is often how we feel this time of year. Not only does this name’s meaning make it a great Christmas baby name, but its “x” ending makes it trendy, too. (credit:Blend Images - Jose Luis Pelaez Inc via Getty Images)
Boy Names(12 of20)
Open Image Modal
Arthur Arthur might not seem like a festive name, but thanks to the kids’ movie “Arthur Christmas” it’s becoming one. This strong and noble moniker is unlikely to go out of style and will grow well with your little one. (credit:Sean Justice via Getty Images)
Boy Names(13 of20)
Open Image Modal
EmberOne of the best things about the holiday season is enjoying time by a roaring fire. The name Ember exudes the warm, fuzzy feelings that make Christmas so great, which is why this name is perfect for a baby boy due in December. (credit:Lesley Magno via Getty Images)
Boy Names(14 of20)
Open Image Modal
Malachi If you’re looking for a Christmas baby name with a more religious meaning, then try Malachi. The moniker means “messenger” and can refer to the angels in the nativity story. Malachi was also the name of the last of the twelve Hebrew prophets who foretold the coming of Christ. (credit:Marc Romanelli via Getty Images)
Boy Names(15 of20)
Open Image Modal
JackParents who love the snow will take a liking to this name. Jack, as in Jack Frost, is a subtle nod to the season and a friendly, cheerful name choice. (credit:PhotoAlto/Laurence Mouton via Getty Images)
Boy Names(16 of20)
Open Image Modal
KristopherKristopher is a solid name with a number of ties to Christmas. Kris Kringle, for instance, is a character that shows up in both “Miracle on 34th Street” and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” Kristopher also means “follower of Christ.” We love this name because its alternative spelling to the classic name Christopher is charming and simple. Kristoff is also a great holiday name choice, which is associated to the character in Disney’s “Frozen.” (credit:Svetlana Iakusheva svetlanaiakusheva.com via Getty Images)
Boy Names(17 of20)
Open Image Modal
Charlie“A Charlie Brown Christmas” is a classic holiday movie that never gets old. If you’re a fan of the animated film or Peanuts in general, then consider the name Charlie for your baby boy. (credit:Yellow Dog Productions via Getty Images)
Boy Names(18 of20)
Open Image Modal
PaxPax means “peaceful,” which perfectly describes this joyful time of year. (Paix means peace in French, so this could work in both languages!) Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt famously chose this name for one of their sons. We love it because it’s short and sweet, plus has a cool factor since it ends in “x.” (credit:King Lawrence via Getty Images)
Boy Names(19 of20)
Open Image Modal
JasperThis Persian name means “bringer of treasure” which can be associated with the three wise men who brought gifts to baby Jesus on his birth in December. (credit:KidStock via Getty Images)
Boy Names(20 of20)
Open Image Modal
CalebCaleb is a biblical name meaning “devotion to God.” While it has no direct connection to the Christmas season, its religious ties still make it an appealing holiday name. (credit:ICHIRO via Getty Images)