Olivia and Jack were the most popular names for newborn babies in Scotland last year, according to figures published today by National Record of Scotland.
Olivia overtook Isla to secure the top spot once again after being bumped in 2020 following a four-year reign from 2016 to 2019. It is followed by Emily, Isla and Freya.
But the name Jack is still going strong, now in its 14th year as the most popular name, followed by Noah and Leo.
Meanwhile, Lyla shot up 56 places in the top 100 girls’ names to 74th overall, while Blake rose 46 places and Rowan 41.
Carson has seen the largest increase in the top 100 boys’ names in 2021, rising 42 places to 83rd, while Struan has jumped 37 places and Myles is up by 35.
Director of Statistical Services, Pete Whitehouse said: “Beneath the headline figures the long term trend is for more names to be used each year, including some names only given to one baby in 2021.
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“Almost 12% of baby girls were given a name that no other girl was registered with in 2021. Almost 9% of boys had unique names for births last year. Together with the growing range of names being used this means it’s far less common for children to share their name with their classmates than it was for their parents or grandparents.”
With NRS running this year’s census Pete Whitehouse took the opportunity to appeal to parents to take part:
“I know the parents of young children, particularly those with babies, have busy lives but I ask them to make time to fill in the census form and record their growing families in the census.
“Like registering a birth, filling in the census form is a legal responsibility for every household and provides the Scottish Government, councils, the NHS and many others with data they need to provide services for the whole country from the very youngest to the oldest.”
Top 20 most popular girls' names
- Olivia
- Emily
- Isla
- Freya
- Ella
- Amelia
- Ava
- Sophie
- Grace
- Millie
- Lily
- Sophia
- Charlotte
- Rosie
- Aria
- Evie
- Maisie
- Lucy
- Mia
- Eilidh
Top 20 most popular boys' names
- Jack
- Noah
- Leo
- Oliver
- Harris
- Finlay
- Lewis
- James
- Rory
- Alexander
- Brodie
- Alfie
- Charlie
- Theo
- Archie
- Lucas
- Mason
- Finn
- Thomas
- Freddie
You can view the full figures on the NRS website HERE.
