Baby names, just like fashion can be in or out, depending on the era you were born. Some parents strive to find the most unusual name to ensure their child remains unique whilst others stick with traditional names which have stood the test of time. It's interesting to see how baby names have changed over time and so we take a brief look at both past and present popular baby names.
In 2011 The Top Ten Girls Baby Names were:
1) Amelia
2) Olivia
3) Lily
4) Jessica
5) Emily
6) Sophie
7) Ruby
8) Grace
9) Ava
10) Isabella
The UK most popular girls baby names have a sophisticated, timeless classic feel to them.
In 2011 The Top Ten Boys Baby Names were:
1) Harry
2) Oliver
3) Jack
4) Alfie
5) Charlie
6) Thomas
7) Jacob
8) James
9) Joshua
10) William
Jack which had been in pole position for a number of years has been replaced with Harry. Other more once traditional names such as Alfred are increasing in popularity with a new modern version in the form of Alfie.
Comparing today's most popular baby names with those of eras gone by is interesting. If we look at the most popular baby names from nearly 50 years ago in 1964 not one of the names on either the boys or girls list in 2010 is the same.
In 1964 The Top Ten Girls Baby Names were:
1) Susan
2) Julie
3) Karen
4) Jacqueline
5) Deborah
6) Tracey
7) Jane
8) Helen
9) Diane
10) Sharon
Popular names such as Tracey and Sharon in the 1960's are very much outdated in today's modern era.
In 1964 The Top Ten Boys Baby Names were:
1) David
2) Paul
3) Andrew
4) Mark
5) John
6) Michael
7) Stephen
8) Ian
9) Robert
10) Richard
Paul and John were classic names in the 60's and Ian was at it's peak in the 60's but it's popularity was short lived.
Who knows if baby names popular in the 60's will come back into fashion or when the UK's most popular baby names in 2011 will go out of fashion. There is a trend of things coming back around again so who knows in a few years time we may hear the names of Florence and Arthur being called by parents in playgrounds around the UK!
Click below for the full information from the Office of National Statistics for the Top Baby Names in 2011
