When it comes to baby names, it seems that the royal effect is still very much in evidence: though Oliver was the number one name of 2017 for baby boys, according to new data released by the Office of National Statistics, it was closely followed by the distinctly regal-sounding Harry and George in second and third place respectively.
As the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s third child, Prince Louis, was born in April of this year, perhaps we can predict a rise in babies with the same name in next year’s stats, just as a similar uplift could be noted after the births of his older siblings, George and Charlotte.
For girls, Olivia reigned supreme for the second year running, followed by non-movers Amelia and Isla. The ONS reported that for the 679,106 live births registered in England and Wales during 2017, 63,697 different names were chosen for these children.
‘Although Oliver and Olivia remained the most popular baby names in 2017, some fascinating changes took place beneath them,’ explained Nick Stripe, statistician at the ONS. ‘Leo entered the boys top 10 for the first time, whilst Hunter rocketed into the top 100, also for the first time, reaching number 78.’
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Prince George Peering Through Windows - Grazia
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George: 'I know, I know, it's Aunty Pippa's wedding, but can we all just agree that you're really here to see me!' Us: 'Yes'
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'OH! What's occurring?'
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When you're a young, carefree royal baby, living your best life
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When that 'effortless' Instagram pose is a nightmare to recreate IRL
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When everyone else is ordering halloumi fries, but you've given up dairy.
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'So you're trying to tell me that ordinary people travel like this, every day?'
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'Look, Charlotte. Everything the light touches is our kingdom'
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'Mum, these children are stealing my signature pose!'
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That face when you realise that your parents have given your baby brother one of your middle names.
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'As the private plane took off into the Canadian skies, I couldn't help but wonder: was I born adorable, or did I have adorableness thrust upon me?'
‘Sarah, the most popular name for baby girls throughout much of the 1970s and 1980s, dropped out of the top 100 for the first time since our records began in 1904,’ he added. ‘Brand new entries into the top 100 for girls include the names Aurora and Hallie.’ On that latter note, perhaps we’re just beginning to see ‘The Parent Trap effect’ emerging as a legitimate naming trend…
Pop culture has also had an impact upon the names which parents are choosing for their newborns: the figures for 2017 reported a rise in names inspired by shows like Game of Thrones, and Disney favourites like Moana. 76 babies were named Khaleesi, the title given to Emilia Clarke’s character in the HBO show, while a handful of others were named Daenarys after the same character.