Choosing a name for your baby is one of the first tricky challenges you face as a new parent. If you thought that names like Noah, Finley, Lucas and Aaron were quite unusual then think again, all featured in the top 50 boys' names for 2007. So whether you're looking for inspiration or hoping to avoid the most popular names altogether, it's a good idea to cross reference your shortlist of names with the top 100 names in England and Wales for the last two years.
Topping the list for the fifth year in a row is Jack, which until fairly recently was used only as a shortened name for John or Jacob. Thomas, Joshua and Oliver have all been jostling for second and third positions over recent years. British regal names continue to be firm favourites with parents and there's no shortage of Williams, Harrys (both in the top ten for the last three years), Charlies and Charles along with the classically kingly Edwards, James, Georges and Henrys.
As with girls' names there are some golden oldies making a come-back: Alfie, Archie and Sebastian as examples, but these are more often in their shortened then full forms (eg: Alfred and Archibald). Biblical names such as Daniel, Samuel, Zachary, Gabriel, Adam, Ethan, Joel and Joseph continue to be firm favourites, as does the name Mohammed, which taken with all its spelling variations together would zoom up to second place.
Several more modern names have firmly established themselves in the most popular ranks in recent years, including Tyler, Corey and Ryan. While fashionable relative newcomers include those of the surname-as-christian-name trend - Harrison, Cameron, Mason, Bailey, Taylor, Logan - and others such as Harley, Kian, Jayden and Ashton.
So, without further ado, here they are; the top 100 in-full. And check this link for the most popular girls' names.
