A conversation every parent has to face is the dreaded... "What do we call our baby"
Do you opt for a trendy name, or stick with a traditional option? Or, do you go a bit wild and create a brand-new name yourself? Picking the perfect name for your baby can be a tricky decision, but we've rounded up what are expected to be the most popular names for 2023 to make your choice a little bit easier.
Top 3 boy names
1. Noah
For the first time in eight years, Oliver has been knocked off the top spot, giving way to Noah. Noah's origins come from the Hebrew 'Noach', meaning 'rest' or 'repose'. It also has biblical links, with the tale of Noah's Ark starring Noah, and can be a great way to give your baby a name with a heroic backstory to it.
2. Oliver
The second most popular name, Oliver, has two potential meanings. The first is the Old Norse meaning 'ancestor's descendants' and the second is the Latin/French meaning 'olive' or 'olive tree'. The olive tree has long been associated with peace, beauty, and fruitfulness, and what better to surround your baby?
3. George
The third most popular is George. Deriving from the Greek name 'Georgios' meaning 'farmer' or 'earthworker', and the name also has strong royal connotations. Not only have several previous Kings been called George, but Prince William's son is also called George too, so if you're looking for a regal name, George could be the one.
Top 3 girl names
1. Olivia
Olivia is once again the most popular baby name, and we can see why. Like its masculine form, Oliver, it means peace and we think that a peaceful baby is exactly what every parent wishes for, so calling your baby Olivia could be the way to manifest that.
2. Amelia
The second most popular name, Amelia, has German origins and means 'work'. However, this doesn't mean hard laborious work, but fertility and industriousness, and has very positive associations. Also, the name carries strong royal connotations, becoming hugely popular in the 18th Century after King George II and III named their daughters Amelia.
3. Isla
Although there is no known origin for Isla, it's considered traditionally Scottish, linked to the Scottish island 'Islay' (AKA 'The Queen of Hebrides'). This island has a great myth surrounding it, which follows a Danish Princess, Iula, who goes on a journey with an apron full of stones. These stones are said to have fallen out and formed Ireland and several other islands between Scotland and Ireland. From this, we think the name Isla sets your baby up for a life of adventure and exploration!
If these top three didn't take your fancy, no need to worry, as we've got a list of the 100 most popular boy and girl names for 2023 below. But, don't forget, these lists aren't exhaustive and if you're feeling adventurous or creative, don't be afraid to pick something unique!
Top 100 Boy Names
AdamAlbert
Albie
Alexander
Alfie
Alfred
Archie
Arlo
Arthur
Benjamin
Blake
Bobby
Brody
Caleb
Carter
Carter
Charles
Charlie
Chester
Daniel
David
Dylan
Edward
Elijah
Elliot
Ellis
Ethan
Ezra
Felix
Finley
Finn
Frankie
Freddie
Frederick
Gabriel
George
Grayson
Harrison
Harry
Harvey
Henry
Hudson
Hugo
Hunter
Isaac
Jack
Jackson
Jacob
James
Jasper
Jaxon
Jesse
Joseph
Joshua
Jude
Kai
Leo
Liam
Logan
Louie
Louis
Luca
Lucas
Mason
Max
Michael
Milo
Mohammed
Muhammad
Myles
Nathan
Noah
Oakley
Oliver
Ollie
Oscar
Otis
Ralph
Reggie
Reuben
Riley
Roman
Ronnie
Rory
Rowan
Rupert
Samuel
Sebastian
Sonny
Stanley
Teddy
Theo
Theodore
Thomas
Tobias
Toby
Tommy
William
Yusuf
Zachary
Top 100 girl names
AdaAlice
Amber
Amelia
Amelie
Anna
Arabella
Aria
Aurora
Ava
Ayla
Beatrice
Bella
Bonnie
Charlotte
Chloe
Clara
Daisy
Darcie
Delilah
Eden
Edith
Eleanor
Eliza
Elizabeth
Ella
Ellie
Elodie
Elsie
Emilia
Emily
Emma
Erin
Esme
Eva
Evelyn
Evie
Florence
Freya
Grace
Gracie
Hallie
Hannah
Harper
Harriet
Heidi
Holly
Imogen
Iris
Isabella
Isabelle
Isla
Ivy
Jasmine
Jessica
Lara
Layla
Lilly
Lily
Lola
Lottie
Lucy
Luna
Lyla
Lyra
Mabel
Maeve
Maisie
Margot
Maria
Maryam
Matilda
Maya
Mia
Mila
Millie
Molly
Myla
Nancy
Olive
Olivia
Orla
Penelope
Phoebe
Poppy
Robyn
Rose
Rosie
Ruby
Sara
Scarlett
Sienna
Sofia
Sophia
Sophie
Summer
Thea
Violet
Willow
Zara
