Choosing a baby name is one of the most exciting — and trickiest — jobs of expecting a baby. Do you go classic, modern, family name, or something completely unique? One fun way to get inspired (or just settle a debate with your partner) is to see which names have been topping the charts around the world.
We put together this infographic looking at popular baby names for boys and girls by country, so you can see how naming trends differ from place to place.
Baby name trends change all the time
Naming trends shift year to year and vary a lot depending on where you live. If you’d like the very latest rankings for your own country, your national statistics or civil registration office is the best place to check — they publish updated top names lists regularly, and they’re the most reliable source for current figures.
In the meantime, browsing lists like this one is a great way to spot patterns: names that hold steady for years, names that suddenly spike in popularity, and names that quietly disappear from the top ten altogether.
Still deciding on a name?
If you’re still weighing up options, it’s worth thinking beyond what’s popular right now. A name that’s trending today might feel very dated in ten years — or it might become a timeless classic. Some parents love picking a name that’s currently popular so their child shares it with lots of little peers; others prefer something a bit more unusual.
Whatever route you take, a few things worth considering are how the name sounds with your surname, any nicknames it might naturally shorten to, and how it will read on a CV in twenty years’ time.
For more guidance, don’t miss our 10 Things Not To Do When Choosing a Baby Name, and if you’re expecting, take a look at 7 Useful SmartPhone Apps for Pregnancy and Mums.
Is your child’s name on the list? We’d love to hear — tell us in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are the most popular baby names worked out each year?
Most countries work this out using official birth registration data collected by their national statistics office or equivalent government body. They count how many babies were registered with each first name over the year and rank them from most to least common.
Do popular baby names vary a lot by country?
Yes. While a handful of names do well across several countries at once, most top-ten lists look quite different from country to country, shaped by local culture, language and tradition.
Where can I check the latest baby name rankings for my country?
Your country’s national statistics office or civil registration service is the best source, as they publish updated figures on a regular basis using verified registration data.
Does a name being popular matter for choosing my baby’s name?
Not really — it’s entirely personal. Some parents like the idea of their child sharing a name with lots of others their age; some prefer to pick something less common. Either way works, as long as it’s a name you’ll be happy calling out at the school gate for the next eighteen years.
Related articles you might like
- 10 Things Not To Do When Choosing a Baby Name
- 7 Useful SmartPhone Apps for Pregnancy and Mums
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