Popular baby names shift: Traditional choices make way for modern trends
Latest baby-naming data from England and Wales shows significant changes in parents choices. Traditional names lose ground while cultural influences shape new trends in family naming practices
The name-choosing patterns in England and Wales got a shake-up last year when Muhammad took the number-one spot for baby boys (pushing aside the previous winner Noah who held first place back in 2022)
In the top-three shuffle Oliver moved up to claim third position; while traditional royal-linked name George dropped out of medals. The girls top spots stayed put: Olivia Amelia and Isla kept their positions unchanged from previous year - showing parents dont change their mind about these choices
Pop-culture left its mark on baby-naming trends: celebrity-inspired choices like Reign and Saint (names picked by the well-known Kardashian-Jenner clan) got more common; while music-world influence showed up too with names matching pop-stars becoming a thing
Royal family connections seem to be losing their appeal in modern times - names like Charles George and Harry got picked less often than before (which shows how naming trends come and go with time)
The stats office has been tracking Muhammad in their top-10 list since about 8 years ago; its rise to first place marks a note-worthy shift in England and Wales naming landscape
