December 5th 2024.
The Office of National Statistics has just released the top 100 baby names in England and Wales, and there are some new and unexpected entries on the list. Olivia continues to hold the top spot for girls, with Amelia, Isla, Lily, and Freya following closely behind. On the boys' side, Muhammad has taken over the number one spot from Noah, with Oliver and George rounding out the top three.
But while the usual favorites remain popular, there are some interesting additions to the list. Neveah, which is heaven spelled backwards, has made it to number 99, causing some division among UK parents. Some find it strange, while others think it has a pretty sound. And at number 100, we have Raya, the lead character from Disney's latest film, "Raya and The Last Dragon."
The ONS notes that parents are often influenced by popular culture when choosing names for their children. For example, Margot and Cillian saw a spike in popularity during the Barbieheimer craze in July 2023. Raya is also the name of a popular dating app used by celebrities, which could explain its sudden appearance on the list.
On the boys' side, we have Enzo at number 95, possibly chosen by car-loving dads. And at number 100, we have Bodhi, a Buddhist term that represents enlightenment. Other new entries include Nellie and Lilah for girls, and Jax for boys.
The ONS also revealed that seasonal names are popular at the relevant times of the year. For example, Autumn was a top choice in September and October, while Summer was favored in June and July. And during the holiday season, names like Joseph, Holly, and Robyn are popular in December.
It's interesting to see how parents are getting creative with their name choices, drawing inspiration from various sources. And while we won't know the 2024 name trends for a while, experts are already predicting that parents will opt for names that are easily understood but not too common. They are also looking towards nature for inspiration, with names like Acre, Creek, Cloud, Reef, Shore, Isle, and even Branch gaining popularity.
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