Oliver and Charlotte continue to be the most popular names for boys and girls in NSW for the fifth year since 2010, according to the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages.
Attorney General, Mark Speakman said the name Oliver had been the top name for boys every year since 2014, while Charlotte has reigned supreme for girls in 2012, 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2018.
“We live in a world that’s constantly changing, but when it comes to baby names many parents are playing it safe and sticking with centuries-old favourites,” Mr Speakman said.
“Despite Game of Thrones frenzy reaching fever pitch, names like Daenerys, Arya, Tyrion and even the once ubiquitous John are nowhere to be seen in the NSW Registry of Births Deaths & Marriages top 100 baby names for 2018,” he said.
Newcomers to the boys’ top 10 in 2018 include Liam in eighth spot (up from 11th) and ninth-placed Leo (rising from 14th), while James has plummeted from fifth to 11th and Ethan has dropped from ninth to 12th.
Harper (up three to ninth) and Emily (up four to 10th) have entered the top 10 for girls, at the expense of Ella (17th – down from ninth) and Zoe (14th – down from 10th).
Names favoured by royalty continue to chart highly, with William the second most popular boys’ name and Harry jumping from 22 to 15.
George (33), Edward (50), Louis (56) and Charles (63) also feature on the list.
Aside from Charlotte, popular royal names for girls include Mia (4), Isla (6), Sophie (20), Zara (32), Elizabeth (51) and Savannah (57).
Mr Speakman said huge crowds greeted Prince Harry and Meghan Markle when they visited NSW in October last year so it was no surprise royal names were in fashion.
“The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are about to welcome their first child and no doubt many NSW parents will be looking to them for inspiration,” he said.
All birth registrations in NSW can now be completed online and parents have 60 days to register their newborn.
The full list of popular baby names in NSW in 2018 can be accessed at this PS News link.
