As we step into a new year, many expectant parents will be eagerly compiling lists of potential names, with plenty 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 enduring favourites Olivia and Muhammad continue to hold the top spots, there are definitely 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 class to the list. But as some names rise in popularity, others have fallen.
Much like its astronomical meaning, the previously trendy Nova shone brightly in 2023, sparkling at spot number 94. However, it’s now disappeared from the charts, at least for now, 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 version has now faded.
Over on the boys’ side, the long-standing top 100 name Jason has taken a nosedive and is absent from this year’s list, reports the Mirror.
Faye Mingo, the Chief Marketing Officer at BabyCentre, said: “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 commentary arrives following the release of the annual figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) for the most popular baby names in England and Wales. Some fascinating trends have surfaced this year.
Almost half of the top 100 girls’ names end with an ‘A’, including substantial climbers such as Emma (which rose by 13 places to 76) and Ariella (also up by 13 places to 84). Parents of boys are leaning towards robust surname-style first names such as Hunter, Hudson, Mason, Harrison, and Logan, infusing the name charts with an assertive, modern vibe.
The snapshot of this year’s naming habits also shows that parents are playing with creative spellings, with Sophia and Sofia thriving concurrently. Meanwhile, Muhammad, the reigning champion among boys’ names, has seen its dominance accompanied by multiple spelling variations in the top 100, with both Mohammad and Mohammed making appearances.
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 steady Thomas, moving up one place to 25, and playful Tommy, sitting at number 27. Sophisticated Oliver (at number five) and laid-back Ollie (at number 80) also follow this distinct pattern.
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