**ONS Reveals Wales’ 100 Favourite Baby Girl Names – Olivia Tops the List Once Again**
New figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) have cast a spotlight on the naming trends among Welsh parents, revealing the most popular baby girl names of 2024. Olivia has secured the number one position, affirming its widespread appeal for another consecutive year. This yearly publication, based on birth registration data, offers a fascinating insight into cultural preferences and changing trends across Wales.
Olivia, a name of Latin heritage signifying ‘olive tree’, continues to charm parents seeking a classic yet nature-inspired moniker. The olive tree, often seen as a symbol of peace and reconciliation in Greek mythology, perhaps hints at the aspirations many families have for their daughters. According to the ONS, 136 newborn girls were given this name in Wales last year.
Amelia followed as the second most chosen name with 116 registrations. A name with a rich historical tapestry, Amelia has roots in both Roman and Germanic cultures—‘Aemilia’ is its Roman forebear, while ‘amal’ means ‘work’ or ‘vigorous’ in its Germanic context. This name’s melodic sound and heritage have undoubtedly contributed to its lasting appeal among Welsh families.
Closely behind, Isla and Poppy were jointly ranked third, each assigned to 111 newborns. Isla is a name that evokes images of serenity and wonder, derived from the Spanish word for ‘island’. Its growing presence in baby name lists speaks to an affection for names connected with warmth and tranquillity. Poppy, meanwhile, draws from the Latin ‘papaver’, the flower’s genus. The vibrant and delicate poppy has long been a cultural symbol in Britain, likely influencing its popularity in Welsh nurseries.
Other names that featured prominently in the top ten include Freya, Ivy, Bonnie, and Lottie. Each of these names showcases a blend of traditional and modern tastes, with some, like Freya, stemming from Norse mythology, and others such as Bonnie and Lottie, conjuring images of charm and cheerfulness. Harper, Lily, and Elsie rounded out the top ten, underlining the diverse inspirations behind baby naming in Wales—from literary giants to the natural world.
The dataset from ONS includes a total of 100 names, revealing a broad range of choices that reflect both heritage and evolving fashions. Alongside the mainstay names such as Florence, Ava, Evelyn, and Mia, one also finds Welsh-language favourites like Mali, Seren, and Mabli making their mark—an indication of a growing pride in regional identity.
A broader look at the top 100 reveals that, while English and European names dominate, a significant number of parents continue to select distinctively Welsh names. Names such as Cadi, Efa, and Ffion, for instance, are climbing the ranks, reflecting a cultural resurgence and the importance of heritage in modern Wales.
Alongside the release of girls’ names, the ONS also confirmed that Noah was the most frequently chosen name for boys in 2024, further underscoring shifts in naming conventions, where contemporary and biblical names are holding sway with new generations of parents.
The annual publication of such data is keenly awaited by expectant parents and name enthusiasts alike, often influencing choices for years to come. It not only offers a snapshot of the present but serves as a cultural barometer, charting the evolving tastes and traditions of Wales’ newest families.
With the full list covering favourites old and new, the data paints a vivid portrait of changing times. Whether rooted in meaning, heritage, or sheer musicality, the names bestowed on Wales’ babies are as diverse and distinctive as the nation itself. Families on the hunt for inspiration—or simply wanting to avoid the most common choices—will doubtless pore over these trends, eager to find the perfect name for their little one.