Muhammed is no longer the most popular baby name in Britain
THE BOY'S name Muhammed has dropped to second on the list after the name Oliver.
New data reveals Oliver has taken the top spot as most popular name
Muhammed was reported to be the most common name for boys born in Britain earlier this year, but new data reveals Oliver has taken the top spot.
The list of this year’s most popular names, curated by BabyCentre, also indicated that parents are being inspired by celebrities as well as sci-fi movies, such as Star Wars.
Muhammed is a popular namesake for boys in Muslim families as it is traditional to name sons after the Prophet Muhammad.
It was the second most popular name of 2013, and the most popular in 2014.
Muhammed also clinched the top spot last year.
The ONS, the British Government’s statistics agency, said Muhammed in its various forms first entered the top 100 boys’ names in 1924.
According to Behindthename.com the boy’s name Oliver is a Norman French form of a Germanic name such as Alfher or a Norse name such as Olaf.
It fell in popularity after the rule of Oliver Cromwell but rose in popularity after Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist was published in 1838.
Muhammed is a popular namesake for boys in Muslim families
Royal names were unsurprisingly popular with Charlotte, William, Harry and George high on the list.
Old-fashioned names such as Stanley were on the rise, with the monicker up 21 spots to 77th on the list.
More unusual names outside of the top 100 included Bluebell, Yew, Maple and Forrest - obviously inspired by nature.
Names Ezra and Harrison have appeared in the top 100 names for boys, possibly inspired by the new Star Wars film, while out of the top 100 Leia and Kylo are on the rise.
Parents getting inventive with baby names
Top 10 girl’s names
1. Olivia
2. Lily +1
3. Sophia -1
4. Emily
5. Amelia
6. Ava +5
7. Isla +5
8. Isabella +2
9. Isabelle -2
10. Sophie -2
Muhammed in its various forms first entered the top 100 boys’ names in 1924
Top 10 boy’s names
1. Oliver +1
2. Muhammad -1
3. Noah +1
4. Harry +2
5. Jack -2
6. Charlie +1
7. Jacob -2
8. George +4
9. Ethan -1
10. Henry +8
Earlier this year one family showed their passion for Britain with a very unusual name.
Whether it is a joke or an actual birth announcement is unclear, but proud parents Alexandra and Gunther spelt it out with a full colour advert.