For the past twelve years Jack has reigned supreme as the most popular boy's name in England and Wales, but this year it's all change for the girls with Olivia toppling Jessica off the top slot.
Olivia has moved from 10 in the charts to the No 1 position. But the biggest rise in popularity has to be Ruby which in five years has moved from no.66 in the charts to being the fourth most popular girl's name in England and Wales.
Boys names are traditionally much more static. Thomas, Joshua and James have jostled for the top four slots over the past five years. Interestingly the newest name in the top 5 section of the boy's chart is Oliver – making it supremely popular in both its masculine and feminine form.
Celebrity culture seems to play an important part in the popularity of children's names and this year is no exception. X-Factor Shane Ward is credited with the name Shane increasing massively in popularity. Similarly, Celebrity Big Brother's Preston has seen his name move up 767 places to position 148. One of the most influential celebrities has been Peaches Geldoff. Rarely out of the headlines, her notoriety has ensured that Peaches rose 2948 places this year!
See Baby Names
December 2006 | 
Top Baby Names 2011
