**Wales’ Favourite Baby Names for 2024: ONS Data Sheds Light on Parental Choices**
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) have highlighted the most popular first names chosen for babies born in Wales last year, offering an intriguing snapshot of contemporary naming trends. Parents across the country have demonstrated clear preferences in both traditional and emerging names, underscoring how cultural influences and familial traditions play a key role in these decisions.
**Olivia Leads for Girls; Noah Dominates Boys’ List**
For baby girls, Olivia topped the list once again, with 136 newborns receiving the name in 2024. Hot on its heels were Amelia, chosen for 116 babies, and both Isla and Poppy, each finding their place with 111 registrations. The enduring appeal of Olivia may be attributed to its Latin origins—the word references the olive tree, traditionally a symbol of peace and reconciliation. This classic name’s continued popularity illustrates the influence of both history and contemporary trends.
Meanwhile, on the boys’ side, Noah stood head and shoulders above the rest, with a substantial 237 baby boys given the name, far ahead of the next most popular names: Luca and Oliver, each tied at 176. While Noah itself hails from Hebrew origins, carrying the meaning ‘rest’ or ‘comfort’, its popularity has been sustained by its strong biblical association and modern, approachable sound.
**Nature and Heritage Continue to Inspire**
Interestingly, many of the names in the upper echelons for both genders share connections to nature or historical roots. The names Isla—echoing the Scottish island—and Poppy, a well-known wildflower, exemplify this trend for girls. On the other hand, boys’ names like Arthur, which conjures images of myth and legend, remain deeply rooted in British heritage.
The ONS uses exact spellings as registered on birth certificates, meaning that alternative spellings such as ‘Amelia’ and ‘Emelia’, or ‘Noah’ and ‘Noa’, are tallied separately. This precise method allows for a more nuanced understanding of trends as they truly exist on registration documents.
**A Closer Look at the Top Ten**
Rounding out the top girls’ names for 2024 in Wales were Freya, Ivy, Bonnie, Lottie, Harper, and Lily—an eclectic mix of vintage and contemporary options. For boys, the chart after Noah, Luca, and Oliver included Arthur, Archie, Theo, Leo, Oscar, Arlo, and Theodore, showcasing a blend of modern choices and time-honoured classics.
**Wider Context: England and Wales Combined Rankings**
When considering England and Wales together, Muhammad held the top spot for boys, marking its second consecutive year at number one. The name’s prominence has grown steadily, having secured positions within the top ten since 2016. Multiple spellings—Muhammad, Mohammed, and Mohammad—feature throughout the top 100, reflecting the country’s increasing cultural diversity.
Noah and Oliver secured second and third positions respectively on the boys’ national chart, consistent with recent years. For girls, Olivia and Amelia have dominated the top two spots for a third year running, while Lily took third place, ending Isla’s reign in the top three.
**Longstanding Favourites and Declining Trends**
Olivia’s status as a favoured name has proved durable—it has appeared in the top three names for girls every year since 2006. In 2024 alone, more than 2,700 girls across England and Wales were registered as Olivia. In contrast, names steeped in royal connotations have generally dipped in popularity, perhaps indicating a shifting set of cultural role models or a preference for fresher alternatives.
**Unusual Names Less Frequent**
The ONS also highlights some less common names given fewer than five times in Wales last year: for boys, names such as Cuthbert, Crispin, Awesome, and Beckham appeared infrequently, while for girls, rare selections included Orchid, Poem, Sicily, and Everest. These choices paint a picture of both creativity and a willingness among some parents to diverge from the mainstream.
**Broader Reflections and Social Trends**
Naming a child remains a deeply personal and sometimes symbolic act for many families. The continuing relevance of names derived from nature, history, and various cultures suggests that parents are influenced by a mixture of tradition, popular culture, and the desire for individuality. The data not only unveils patterns in naming but also reflects changes in society, migration, and media influence.
Overall, the comprehensive data from the ONS offers not only a record of the names most popular among new parents in Wales but also a glimpse into the evolving identity of the Welsh population today. As every name carries its own unique story, these annual lists will undoubtedly continue to charm and inform for years to come.