Gosport, England – Choosing a name for your baby can be one of the hardest tasks a parent faces, but a new survey from a leading personalised baby gift supplier may be able to help you on your way.

The study by Born Gifted, which surveyed almost 3000 baby names during the first half of 2012, revealed that the number one spot for girls was Amelia (7.2%) and the top boy’s name was Thomas (7.7%).

Interestingly the study found that Olivia and Oliver were the tenth most popular names which is in stark contrast to official figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) which disclosed that Oliver and Olivia were the most popular names in 2010 (most recent data).

The shift in naming trends has continued and whereas Sophie was the second most popular name two years ago, it is now in ninth position, with many parents choosing the slightly adapted versions Sophia or Sofia.

Names that were popular in the 2010 ONS survey such as Jessica, Ruby, Chloe and Grace have been replaced by Isla, Eva and Phoebe. Further names that have proved popular in the first half of 2012 were Charlotte/Lottie (5.6%), Isabella/Bella (5.2%), Lily/Lilly (4.7%) and Emily, Holly and Olivia (3.4%).

In terms of boy’s names, the recent study found many contrasting name choices compared to previous results compiled. The popular names this year (after Thomas) included Sam/Samuel (5%), Freddie (4.8%), Liam (4%), and Henry (4%); with classic names such as Jack, William and George not even making the list.

The top ten lists for 2012 revealed by the Born Gifted study are as follows (showing the most popular first)

Girls: Amelia (7.2%); Charlotte/Lottie (5.6%); Isabella/Bella (5.2%); Lily/Lilly (4.7%); Isla (4.3%); Eva (4.3%); Phoebe (3.9%); Sophia/Sofia (3.6%); Emily, Holly & Olivia (3.4%)

Boys: Thomas (7.7%); Harry (6.2%); Joshua (5.3%); Sam/Samuel (5%); Freddie (4.8%); Charlie (4.4%); James (4.2%); Liam & Henry (4%); Alfie & Oliver (3.5%).

The study also produced a few slightly unusual names including Rudy Blue, Wynter, Huxley, August, Bleu, Dixon, Jaxon, Tulip and Westly!

If you are struggling to find an appropriate name for your child, why not use one of the names highlighted in the study. Remember that naming a child is an important task because they will live with it for the rest of their lifetimes.

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