Oliver and Charlotte still reign supreme as Victoria’s best loved baby names according to figures released today by the Victorian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Attorney-General Martin Pakula today visited the Royal Women’s Hospital to meet some of Victoria’s babies with the most popular names.
Mr. Pakula explained that the 2017 statistics show Oliver has been the most popular name for newborn boys in Victoria every year since 2014, while Charlotte and Olivia have been consistently vying for the number one and two spots in girls’ names over the same period. William was the second most popular boys’ name in 2017, while Jack (3), Thomas (5) and James (6) retained their places in the top ten, where they have sat since 1994. Lucas (7), Henry (8) and Charlie (9) were all new entrants in the boys’ top ten. In contrast, the ten most popular girls’ names for 2017 remain unchanged from the previous year, with the exception of Ella, which edged out Chloe to claim the number ten spot.
“Charlotte and Oliver have enjoyed strong popularity in Victoria for some years now, but William, Jack, Olivia and Amelia continue to be contenders for Victoria’s most beloved names for newborns.” Mr. Pakula commented “While some baby names remain perennial favourites, other rise and fall in popularity, providing a fascinating insight into changing tastes and trends in Victoria.”
Mr. Pakula said that the most popular girls’ names were very different 20 years ago, with none of today’s top ten appearing in 1997’s equivalent list. Jessica, the most popular name in 1997, has fallen to 100th place today. James was the most popular name for boys in 1997, followed by Joshua. While James remains popular today, Joshua has slipped to 26th place.
Mr. Pakula went on to explain that there were more than 68,000 births in Victoria in 2017, with the most popular day for newborns being 13 April, when 279 new Victorians came into the world. New Year’s Day 2017 saw 145 babies born, while 148 babies arrived on Grand Final Day (30 September). On average, around 136 babies are born on Christmas Day, beaten by the Boxing Day average of 157 newborns. Boys made up 52 per cent of all births registered in 2017, with the number of births peaking in March following the arrival of just over 6,600 new babies – nine months after Victoria’s chilly winter.
“We encourage all Victorian parents to give their children a good start in life by registering the arrival of their new baby with the Victorian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.” Mr. Pakula commented.