REVEALED: Northern Ireland's top 10 baby names

Wednesday, 1 August 2018 09:56

By David Hunter

By David Hunter

Emily and James are officially the most popular first names given to baby girls and boys in Northern Ireland in 2017.

The findings have been published by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency based on registered births last year.

Emily has been the most popular girls’ name for five years in a row, although it was tied with Grace in 2013.

James has been the most popular boys’ names in each of the past three years.

In terms of boys’ names, Jack (which held the top spot for 12 consecutive years between 2003 and 2014) comes a close second to James in popularity with Noah in third place.

Hunter climbed the greatest number of places to join the top 100 names for boys, rising from rank 207 in 2016 to rank 98 in 2017.

Zeplin, Blaise, Maverick, Ace and Jupiter on the other hand, were some of the less common names given to baby boys in 2017.

For Girls, Grace has once again taken second place in the top 10, whilst Olivia comes a close third.

Roise climbed the greatest number of places to join the top 100 names for girls, moving from rank 151 in 2016 to rank 90 in 2017.

Some of the less common names given to baby girls in 2017 were Lady, Divine, Rio, Star and Vogue.

Almost 1,000 new baby names were registered in 2017 that had not been registered since the reporting of baby names began in 1997.

Blockbuster movies, popular television series, current celebrities and memorable places continue to appear to be influencing factors for some parents.

Top 10 baby were ranked as follows:

Boys: