What’s in a name? Jack and Grace top the list

Figures released by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) indicate that, for births registered in 2013, Jack was the most popular name given to baby boys with James a close second. Grace and Emily were jointly the most popular name to be given to baby girls in 2013.

Jack has been the most popular boy’s name for the last decade. James has held second position for the third year running, while Charlie was in third place in 2013, climbing from fifth in 2012.

Emily and Grace have moved up one and two places respectively since 2012, whereas Sophie (in third place in 2013) fell two places since 2012.

Jacob and Oliver were new entries to the top 10 most popular names for baby boys compared with 2012, replacing Ryan and Riley.

Ella and Anna were new entries to the top 10 most popular names for baby girls compared with 2012, replacing Katie and Eva.

There were nine new entries in the top 100 boys’ names and 12 new entries in the top 100 girls’ names in 2013.

Four of the 10 most popular boys’ names in 2003 remained in the top 10 in 2013, namely: Jack, James, Matthew and Daniel.

None of the top 10 most popular girls’ names in 2003 remained in the top 10 in 2013.