Some of the top names from 2012 look set to stay popular this year with Amelia, Olivia and Mia maintaining their high ranks for the girls and Harry, Oliver and Jacob still holding their own in the boys’ top ten.
Parenting on Female First
More names are being taken from our grandparents’ era and there is a notable shift in attitude towards what are often seen as more middle class names.
The trends were revealed in Babynames.co.uk figures for popular baby names for the first quarter of 2013.
Siobhan Thomas, Chief Editor at BabyNames.co.uk, said: “Names follow trends, just like clothes and hairstyles - with some taking longer to come full circle than others.
“Interestingly there has been a significant increase in popularity of the names Violet and Arthur which were both popular names at the start of the 20th Century, and Evelyn which was popular in the 1930s.
“Whilst new parents today are likely to balk at the suggestion of Susan, Linda, Ian or Keith for their baby (names popular amongst their parents’ generation), looking back to their grandparents’ era is far more attractive.”
There are a number of girls’ names that have been sitting just outside the top 50 for a while which are making a sudden leap towards the top ten this year - Amelie and Florence being two notable climbers.
Whilst in the boys’ camp Toby, Sebastian and Jasper are all looking set to become more popular choices for 2013.
Siobhan added: “A lot of these names have traditionally held a somewhat middle-class association for people. It may be that new parents are reflecting their aspirations for their children by using these names or it may be that the “posh” connotation isn’t something that fazes people as much anymore.”
Celebrities and their babies continue to affect people’s opinions on names, and by that we don’t mean the unusual monikers that some celebs choose for their tot. Instead successful and role-model celebrities are inspiring mums and dads when it comes to choosing a name for their baby.
Siobhan said: “Jessica is a name that is proving as popular this year as it was last year, and its common association with Britain’s much-loved Olympian Jessica Ennis can be credited for its popularity’ said Siobhan.”
There is huge speculation as to what Prince William and Duchess Catherine’s baby will be called this year and bookmakers are offering the lowest odds on names of previous Royals such as Elizabeth, Victoria and George. Siobhan believes that some of the best odds are on the “baby being named Diana.”
She said: “In our opinion this would be an uncharacteristically controversial decision for William and Kate.
“It isn’t inconceivable that it could be used as a middle name but we expect the first name of the Royal baby will be something traditional, probably with some Royal history.”
Names with Royal connections are continuing to be popular this year, particularly boys’ names. William and Harry are still projected to be amongst the top ranking for 2013 and Henry is currently attracting even more attention from the Babynames.co.uk members than it has done previously.
Siobhan added: “There seems to be less momentum for the girls when it comes to following Royal traditions.
“Elizabeth may stay in the top 100 this year but will probably remain outside the top 50. Catherine, perhaps surprisingly, was pretty unaffected by Royal fever last year and we’re still failing to see any interest in this classic name for 2013.”
More information for 2013 including the sites official top 40 figures for each gender can be found at:
www.babynames.co.uk/blog/
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