Here Are the Most Popular Baby Names of 2018 so Far – Is Your Child’s Name on This List?
We are already halfway through the year (gosh, that went fast, didn’t it?) and that means that BabyCentre has released their list of the most popular baby names for 2018 so far.
The British site is renowned for being on top of the game when it comes to baby names, and they’ve done it again, compiling their list while noting the likely reasons for the trends.
At the top of the girls’ chart, Olivia has kept hold of the coveted number one spot, followed by Sophia and Amelia. Maya, Harper and Layla have all soared into the top 20 while Aria was the only new entry in the top ten.
For boys, Muhammad remains at the top, with Oliver and Noah runners up. Freddie and Alfie were both new entries into the top 10 while Arthur, Henry, Archie and Theo made it into the top 20.
Some of the trends for 2018 include:
Creatively spelling a popular name
Jackson has been spelled in a variety of ways, including Jacson, Jakson, Jaxson and Jaxen, but Jaxon is the most popular way of spelling the name, even eclipsing Jackson. Looks like there are a few Sons of Anarchy fans among 2018’s new parents!
Other names with different spellings on BabyCentre’s register are Aaron with 13 different spellings and Aria with 12.
Parents also favoured using x, y and z when choosing an unusual spelling. Jaxon was joined by Kaylub, Liyam, Fyn, Jayson and Zayden in the boy’s lists while Madyson, Roze, Wynter and Maizie all made an appearance this year for girls.
The #MeToo movement
Unsurprisingly, the name Harvey has fallen out of favour this year, with the name dropping 30% in popularity since Harvey Weinstein made headlines. Conversely, the women who started the movement have inspired many parents to name their daughters after their strong stand: Alyssa (Milano), Ashley (Judd), Rose (McGowan) Gwyneth (Paltrow), Jennifer (Lawrence) and Asia (Argento).
The Royals
While regal names are always en vogue, this year’s royal babies and weddings has seen a resurgence in traditionally royal names. Victoria, Zara and Charlotte are popular, as are Charlie, George, Arthur and Henry. There has been no significant change for Meghan/Megan or Louis yet but that could all change in the full-year results.
Top 20 girls’ names of 2018 so far:
- Olivia
- Sophia
- Amelia
- Lily
- Emily
- Ava
- Isla
- Aria
- Mia
- Isabella
- Isabelle
- Ella
- Charlotte
- Grace
- Evie
- Maya
- Harper
- Sophie
- Layla
- Freya
Top 20 boys’ names of 2018 so far:
- Muhammad
- Oliver
- Noah
- George
- Harry
- Leo
- Charlie
- Jack
- Freddie
- Alfie
- Oscar
- Arthur
- Henry
- Jacob
- Archie
- Joshua
- Theo
- Ethan
- Lucas
- Logan
