The Queensland Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (RBDM) has declared the most popular names for newly-born Queenslanders last year, with Isla and Oliver taking top places for girls and boys respectively.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Minister for Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, Shannon Fentiman said it was the first time that Isla had topped the charts.
“In contrast, Oliver was the most popular baby boy name for the ninth consecutive year,” Ms Fentiman said.
“There’s going to be a lot of Olivers running around school playgrounds for the next couple of decades,” she said.
“Oliver was comfortably the most popular boys’ name, again well ahead of Noah.”
Ms Fentiman said RBDM data showed that Henry displaced Jack in third place, while Charlie replaced Thomas in the only change to the boys’ top 10.
She said Matilda and Lily were newcomers to the girls’ top 10, replacing Sophie and Harper.
“Charlotte had been the most popular girls’ name for five of the previous six years, but dropped to third favourite in 2021, behind Isla and Olivia,” Ms Fentiman said.
“The name Isla is believed to be of Scottish origin, derived from an island called Islay,” she said.
“Australian actress Isla Fisher would be one of the most famous people to bear the name.”
The Minister noted that Maverick’s first-ever foray into the top 100 boys’ names in 2020 was short-lived — it dropped back out last year.
Ms Fentiman said first time entrants to the top 100 boys’ names in 2021 included Koa (a name of Hawaiian origin meaning brave, bold, fearless and valiant) and Huxley (from old English origins), while Octavia entered the top 100 girls’ names for the first time in RBDM’s records, which date back to 1960.
“There were two Octavias in ancient Rome who were half-sisters, with Octavia the Younger being recorded in history as greatly admired for her virtues,” she said.
The Minister reminded all prospective parents in 2022 to register their newborns.
“Registering your child is so important — it establishes their legal identity and gives children access to important life documents as they get older,” Ms Fentiman said.
