Flood of Noahs sees Biblical name hit top of most popular boys names for 2022
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A BIBLICAL name proved the favourite for parents of new baby boys in Scotland in 2022.
Noah has knocked Jack off the top of the baby name chart according to new figures from National Records of Scotland.
Jack had spent an amazing 14 consecutive years at number one but last year saw 373 baby boys given the name Noah.
That was some way ahead of Jack (342) and Leo (310).
For girls, the top name is Olivia, for the second year in a row. The name has been a long-term favourite holding the top spot in six of the previous seven years.
NRS Statistician Daniel Burns said: “A relative flood of Noahs in the last four years has saw the name leap from 8th to 1st.
“There are now so many more names in use, as parents aim for something more unusual, that it takes far fewer babies to share a name for it to be high up in the charts.
“Back in the 70s when David was the most popular name there were upwards of 1700 babies a year with the top boys name. Since then fertility has declined, meaning there are fewer births, but with more names in use Noah can claim the top spot with 373 baby boys given the name in 2022.”
Popular culture is also having an impact on the names chosen.
Daniel added: “Luca has climbed 20 places to land in fifth place for boys, moving into the top 10 for the first time; possibly given a boost by Luca Bish appearing on Love Island.
“The name Maeve has been used in a couple of different TV shows and has grown in popularity over the past few years. Names seen on Love Island, such as Luca, Millie, Arabella and Kai have all increased since appearing on screen. Other names apparently influenced by celebrities include Lando, Tilly, Matilda and Dua.”
Daniel added : “The latest figures also reveal a rise in names relating to nature , with Violet, Daisy, Ivy, Wren, Dahlia, Primrose, Oakley and River all rising. Oakley and River rose for both boys and girls."
Top 20 names
Boys
1 Noah 373 +1 1
2 Jack 342 -1
3 Leo 310 no change
4 Harris 274 +1
5 Luca 273 +20
6 Oliver 261 -2
7 Rory 251 +2
8 Archie 246 +7
9= Theo 243 +5
9= Alfie 243 +3
9= James 243 -1
12= Finlay 234 -6
12= Lewis 234 -5
14 Alexander 230 -4
15 Charlie 226 -2
16 Brodie 221 -5
17 Lucas 203 -1
18 Finn 201 no change
19 Logan 195 +3
20 Thomas 183 -1
Girls
1 Olivia 309 no change
2 Isla 296 +1
3 Freya 294 +1
4 Millie 280 +6
5 Emily 244 -3
6 Amelia 234 no change
7= Grace 233 +2
7= Sophie 233 +1
9= Ella 226 -4
9= Ava 226 -2
11 Lily 218 no change
12 Charlotte 214 +1
13 Sophia 184 -1
14 Aria 177 +1
15= Harper 169 +10
15= Ivy 169 +6
17 Evie 161 -1
18 Lucy 158 no change
19 Mia 156 -1
20 Rosie 154 -6
