New name tops 2014 list of baby names
With the diversity of Britain’s residents continuing to expand year-on-year, statistics released earlier this week have highlighted the Islamic name of ‘Mohammed’ as the most popular amongst newborn Brits.
Knocking 2013’s most popular choice, Oliver, off top spot, Mohammed leaped 27 positions into the most favoured position, above more traditional names such as Jack, in third place respectively.
Data carried out by BabyCentre, a parenting website, revealed the latest trends for parents with Sophia rising to first place for girls.
Sarah Redshaw, managing editor for BabyCentre, explained why Mohammed was likely to have risen so highly in the standings.
“Traditionally Mohammed is often given to the first-born boy in Muslim families,” Ms Redshaw explained.
“The increase of other Arabic names in the top 100 shows the ever-increasing diversity of the UK today.”
As well as the traditional choices in different communities, celebrities are also believed to influence the choice of names for newborns, with adverse effects also highlighted.
In Britain, David and Victoria Beckham’s children have seen their names rise in this year’s standings with Harper entering the top 100 for the first time, whilst Romeo and Cruz have also risen, up 67 per cent and 400 per cent.
Television stars, both animated and not, are also causing trends to occur with Elsa, the star of hit Disney-film ‘Frozen’, entering the charts, as well as names from popular dramas, such as Breaking Bad and Orange is the New Black.
But Ms Redshaw did warn that ‘bad behaviour’ from certain celebs has seen their names become less popular over the past 12 months.
“Parents are wary of names associated with celebrities who exhibit bad behaviour, the controversial pop singer Miley Cyrus being a prime example,” she said.
The name Miley has fallen, as have Amy and Nick, following the release of the mystery thriller book and movie Gone Girl.
