New name at the top of the Scottish baby names chart in 2022

Jack has been knocked off the top of the naming charts in Scotland according to the annual figures from National Records of Scotland.

Noah is now the most popular name for baby boys born in Scotland, knocking Jack into second place, for the first time in 14 years!

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.

Jack had spent 14 consecutive years at number one but was overtaken by Noah, sailing into the top spot with 373 baby boys given the name in 2022.

Top 10 boys names

• Noah
• Jack
• Leo
• Harris
• Luca
• Oliver
• Rory
• Archie
• Alfie & James - tied in 9th

Daniel Burns, a Statistician with NRS which compiled the list, said:

“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 1,700 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.”

Top 10 girls names

• Olivia
• Isla
• Freya
• Millie
• Emily
• Amelia
• Grace & Sophie -tied in 7th
• Ella & Ava - tied in 9th

Love Island inspiration

“Luca has climbed 20 places to land in 5th place for boys, moving into the top 10 for the first time; possibly given a boost by Luca Bish appearing on Love Island," says Daniel.

“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.

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