Most popular baby names in Wales and England revealed

Noah and Olivia were the most popular names for boys and girls in 2021, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Noah has replaced Oliver as the top boys’ name, forcing Oliver into second place after eight consecutive years at the top.

Today we released the most popular baby names for England and Wales in 2021 👶🍼

🥇 Noah was the most popular for boys, ending Oliver’s 8-year reign

🥇 Olivia remained the most popular for girls for the sixth year in a row

➡️ https://t.co/vUXiYyAHLm pic.twitter.com/7rmTTekle0

— Office for National Statistics (ONS) (@ONS) October 5, 2022

Noah was the 4th most popular boys name in 2020 and has risen 15 places in the past ten years since 2011. Olivia has now been the most popular girls’ name for six consecutive years.

Henry has replaced Jack in the top 10 names for boys and this is the first time Jack has not been in the top 10 since 1996.

Freya, Florence and Willow replaced Isabella, Rosie and Sophia in the top 10 names for girls.

This is the first time Florence and Willow have been in the top 10 since 1996.

James Tucker, Head of Health and Life Events Analysis, Office for National Statistics said:

“Noah has replaced Oliver as the most popular name for boys in 2021, moving Oliver into second place and ending an eight-year reign at the top.”

James said: “Olivia remained the most popular girls name in 2021, having held the top spot since 2016. Interestingly, Noah was not top in any of the English regions, but has risen up the ranks in most regions since last year to take first place overall.”

“While Noah and Olivia are enjoying their places at the top, some names could be in danger of falling out of favour.”

“Leslie has had relatively little popularity in recent years with fewer than seven boys named each year since 2018.”

“Others such as Clifford, Nigel and Norman have not fared much better with ten or fewer boys being named.”

“Girls’ names such as Glenda and Kerry, that were more common before, are also becoming endangered and we have seen less than five girls being named each year since 2018.”

“Popular culture continues to influence parents’ baby name choices.”

“Today we have also published analysis exploring cultural influences that could be inspiring baby name trends, from hit TV shows to musical icons.”

Latest News