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 dash of sophistication to the list.
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But as some names rise in popularity, others inevitably fall. Much like its astronomical connotation, the previously trendy Nova shone brightly in 2023, securing the 94th spot.
However, it has now disappeared from the charts, at least for the time being, having fallen out of the top 100 entirely. The delightful Lilly, a beloved choice for many generations, has also met the same fate.
While the Lily spelling continues to flourish, the double L variant has now faded. On the boys’ side, the long-standing top 100 contender 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 insight comes on the heels of the Office for National Statistics (ONS) releasing its annual rundown of top baby names in England and Wales.
The stats this year point out a host of intriguing patterns. Almost half of this year’s top 100 names for girls finish with an ‘A’, featuring significant risers like Emma (leaping up 13 spots to 76) and Ariella (escalating by 13 rungs to 84).
When it comes to boys, there’s a steady inclination towards robust surname-first-names, with punchy American-style monikers such as Hunter, Hudson, Mason, Harrison, and Logan injecting an energetic, modern vibe into the naming game.
Distinctive spellings are also making their mark, with Sophia and Sofia both reigning popular, whilst the leading boy’s name Muhammad sees company with two additional versions within the top 100 – Mohammad and Mohammed.
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 the easy-going Ollie (at number 80) also follow this unique trend.
(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
(Image: Getty Images)