Noah and Olivia remain the most popular names for newborns in England and Wales, while Harry has dropped out of the top 10.
According to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), Olivia was given to 3,289 baby girls in 2022, maintaining its status as the most popular name for newborn girls for the seventh consecutive year. Following Olivia, the next most popular names were Amelia with 2,884 babies, Isla with 2,613, Ava with 2,293, and Lily with 2,281.
Noah topped the list for newborn boys, with 4,586 babies receiving the name in 2022. This marks the second year Noah has been the most popular boys’ name. Muhammad climbed from fifth to second place, with 4,177 baby boys named Muhammad in 2022. George ranked third with 3,699 babies, followed by Oliver with 3,691, and Leo with 3,610. Harry, previously seventh, has exited the top 10, likely influenced by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepping down from their royal roles.
The ONS data also reveal changes in the top 10 names. For girls, Isabella replaced Willow, while for boys, Theodore, Theo, and Freddie took the places of Harry, Archie, and Henry.
Regionally, Noah was the top boys’ name in the North East, East Midlands, East of England, and Wales. Muhammad led in the North West, Yorkshire and the Humber, West Midlands, and London. George was the most popular in the South East, and Arthur in the South West.
Olivia dominated as the top girls’ name across all regions except London, where Amelia was preferred. Amelia ranked second in every region except London (where Olivia was second), the South East (Isla), the South West (Florence), and Wales (Isla).
New entries in the top 100 boys’ names for 2022 included Leon, Elias, Musa, Axel, and Ibrahim, while Charles, Harvey, Ollie, and Nathan dropped out. For girls, new entries were Ophelia, Ottilie, Eloise, Nova, and Fatima, replacing Beatrice, Anna, Holly, Heidi, and Amber.
Top 10 Girls’ Names 2022
- Olivia: 3,289
- Amelia: 2,884
- Isla: 2,613
- Ava: 2,293
- Lily: 2,281
- Ivy: 2,195
- Freya: 2,162
- Florence: 1,971
- Isabella: 1,927
- Mia: 1,868
Top 10 Boys’ Names 2022
- Noah: 4,586
- Muhammad: 4,177
- George: 3,699
- Oliver: 3,691
- Leo: 3,610
- Arthur: 3,603
- Oscar: 2,883
- Theodore: 2,835
- Theo: 2,808
- Freddie: 2,760
