Choosing a name for your wee one can take you to the end of the world and back. More and more parents are going to greater and greater lengths to find a name that's not too old-fashioned, contrived, overused, or plain open to potential ridicule.
Then there are names with associations and overtones that you can't shake because they remind you and will forevermore of someone from your past you'd rather forget.
A name can make you: it's all in a name
There's no denying that a name can make you: it's all in a name.
Would Madonna have been such a big deal were her name Mildred, not that there's anything wrong with the name Mildred, plus certain names come back in fashion again. But which are the most popular baby names in the UK in 2022?
And before we start, don't forget our extensive range of baby toys and gifts at DeWaldens Pram Centre if you're about to go to a baby shower, gender reveal party, christening, or birthday!
Babies names: The most popular baby names in the UK in 2022
The UK's most popular baby names of 2022 so far were revealed last month by Babycentre, with Lily and Muhammad leading the pack. Lily replaces last year's number one, Olivia, with Muhammad remaining at the top spot for a second year running.
Baby naming: Stranger Things
The impact of popular culture, most notably TV show Stranger Things, also looks to have influenced baby name choices in 2022.
There's been a rise outside the top 100 of fan-favourite character names Robin, Maxine (Max), Elle, Mike, Billy, and Steve.
Robyn, as an alternative to Robin, and William (Will) both climbed up the top 100, while Lucas and Nancy held firm.
Name baby: Most popular UK girls names in 2022 so far
2. Sophia
3. Olivia
4. Amelia
5. Ava
6. Isla
7. Freya
8. Aria
9. Ivy
10. Mia
11. Elsie
12. Emily
13. Ella
14. Grace
15. Isabella
16. Evie
17. Hannah
18. Luna
19. Maya
20. Daisy
Names baby: Most popular UK boys names in 2022 so far
1. Muhammad
2. Noah
3. Jack
4. Theo
5. Leo
6. Oliver
7. George
8. Ethan
9. Oscar
10. Arthur
11. Charlie
12. Freddie
13. Harry
14. Zayn
15. Alfie
16. Finley
17. Henry
18. Luca
19. Thomas
20. Aiden
Most popular names in Scotland in 2021
According to the National Records of Scotland (NRS), Olivia was the most popular name given to baby girls in Scotland last year.
Olivia was also the most popular name given to baby girls in England and Wales last year. Isla – Scotland's top 2020 name – was third in 2021, behind Emily in second.
Jack was the most popular name given to baby boys in Scotland in 2021 for the 14th consecutive year. Right behind were Leo and Noah, with traditional Scots names Finlay, Rory and Brodie also placing high on the list.
Pete Whitehouse, the NRS's Director of Statistical Services, said the results underline a long-term trend among new parents seeking out unique baby names that no one else has.
He said, "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."
Most popular girls names in Scotland in 2021
2. Emily
3. Isla
4. Freya
5. Ella
6. Amelia
7. Ava
8. Sophie
9. Grace
10. Millie
11. Lily
12. Sophia
13. Charlotte
14. Rosie
15. Aria
16. Evie
17. Maisie
18. Lucy
19. Mia
20. Eilidh
Most popular boys names in Scotland in 2021
2. Noah
3. Leo
4. Oliver
5. Harris
6. Finlay
7. Lewis
8. James
9. Rory
10. Alexander
11. Brodie
12. Alfie
13. Charlie
14. Theo
15. Archie
16. Lucas
17. Mason
18. Finn
19. Thomas
20. Freddie
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