The name “Muhammad” has been a consistent favorite, ranking in the top 10 since 2016 and holding second place in 2022. It is also the most popular boys’ name in four out of 10 regions across England and Wales, including the North, West Midlands, and London. Variants of the name, such as “Mohammed” and “Mohammad,” also featured in the top 100, ranking 28th and 68th, respectively.

Top baby names for girls
For girls, “Olivia” retained its position as the most popular name, followed by “Amelia” and “Isla,” a trend unchanged since 2022. “Olivia” has dominated the rankings since 2016.

Pop culture shapes naming trends
Pop culture had a significant influence on parents’ choices in 2023. The summer blockbuster “Barbenheimer,” combining Margot Robbie’s Barbie and Cillian Murphy’s Oppenheimer, led to a surge in babies named Margot and Cillian.

Musical icons also left their mark, with names like Elton, Kendrick, Rihanna, Billie, Miley, and Lana gaining popularity, inspired by Elton John, Kendrick Lamar, Billie Eilish, Miley Cyrus, and Lana Del Rey.

Kardashian outshine royal family’s influence
While royal names such as Camilla, Meghan, and Harry are declining, names inspired by the Kardashian-Jenner children—like Reign, Saint, and Psalm—are on the rise. Seasonal names, such as Autumn and Summer, and day-inspired names, like Sunday and Wednesday, have also seen increased popularity. New entrants to the top 100
New entries to the top 100 baby names in 2023 include Hazel, Lilah, Autumn, Nevaeh, and Raya for girls, and Jax, Enzo, and Bodhi for boys. This year’s baby name trends reflect a blend of tradition, pop culture influences, and a shift towards unique and unconventional choices.

(With inputs from TOI)