If you're currently thinking about potential baby names, what do the names on your shortlist all have in common? Some parents will opt for names that all fit a certain theme, while others will be naturally drawn to monikers with a similar sound.
And according to a baby name expert, more often than not parents are drawn to a particular vowel over all the others in the English language - and it's the reason why names like Olivia, Oliver, and Noah continually top baby name lists.
SJ Strum claimed that a phenomenon known as the "O Factor" is responsible for certain names remaining timeless, as it's believed the letter O is the "most distinct vowel" in the English language, making it a perfect pick for a baby name.
SJ, who works at Baby Name Envy and commented on research compiled by Protectivity, explained that because only 1.5% of UK surnames begin with the letter O, parents are naturally drawn to the letter for first names, as they almost always "flow".
The same can also be said for names beginning with A - with popular options including Amelia and Ava - as only 3% of UK surnames begin with the letter.
The expert revealed: "In baby naming names with the 'O factor' - meaning a strong O sound - are always in style; due to the Etymology of words. O is the most distinct vowel in the English language so it uniquely balances with any surname: most surnames begin with a consonant, meaning vowels are popular for our forenames; only 1.5% of UK surnames begin with O and 3% begin with A so they flow.
"A strong O also inspires confidence while remaining soft and approachable - which is why we see it used in many top companies from Google, Yahoo, and Amazon.
"Names ending in the open 'AH' sound are all over the charts as again they lead more phonetically into strong surnames, but it also adds a syllable which we find adorable when choosing names."
Protectivity's findings - which were collated from ONS reports - breaks down the most popular baby names in each UK city, with Muhammad topping the list in cities including London, Leicester, and Birmingham, while Noah is the most popular boy's name in Cardiff, Leeds, and Reading, and Oliver takes the crown in Liverpool.
For girls, Olivia was the most popular in cities such as Stoke-on-Trent, Liverpool, London, and Hull, while Amelia proved the most popular in Leeds, Sheffield, Leicester, and Coventry.
Protectivity also highlighted some of the least popular names for those wanting to go for an alternative name for their little one, with boys' names including Myles, Nathan, and Tobias, and girls' options including Anna, Jasmine, and Holly.
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