Recently got to know the gender of your child and have started to research and think of names for your little one? Or even if you aren’t in the name shopping mode, check out our list of most popular baby names around the world and what they mean!
When Do You Start Naming Your Child?
There’s no “best” time to start naming your child. Some parents prefer to name their child even when they are still in their mothers’ womb so that they can call the names of their child and talk to them even before they are born. Yet other parents prefer to leave the naming until they see their child. No matter which option you choose, ensure that it is a name that both parents like and read on for the tips we have to help you with selecting your baby names!
Did You Know?
According to the Immigrations and Checkpoint Authorities, baby names can be changed within a year of their birth, provided that they have not been issued any birth extract. For name changes, a birth extract, not a new birth certificate, will be issued.
6 Helpful Tips for Choosing Baby Names
Naming your baby can be a fun and exciting process; but sometimes, new parents-to-be may also face overwhelming choices as they jump from unique and creative names to the timeless, classic names, finding the perfect one for their child. Choosing a name for your baby is a huge commitment, so here are some tips you may just want to consider when naming your child!
Fun Fact: How about Middle Names?
Finding it difficult to choose just one name for your child? Nowadays, middle names are also increasingly popular among new-age parents! If you’re wondering where did this trend come from, read on!
In Stephen Wilson’s “The Means of Naming: A Social History”, he writes about the custom of middle names originating in Italy where elites started including middle names for their children after Saints with the belief that those saints would protect their children. This practice then spread on to other parts of Europe and beyond, losing its religious affiliations. Instead, middle names now provided opportunities for people to shift their identities throughout their lives or even to distinguish themselves from another “Abigail” in the class.
Most Popular Baby Names in 2020
We’re past the midway point of 2020 and Names.org has already come up with its name predictions for 2020 in the earlier part of the year. The ranking of these names was derived by analysing the latest Social Security Administration data, patterns from the last five years, and user interest.
For Baby Boys
1. Liam
Liam is a shortened form and a more modern take of another popular name, William and the Irish name Uilliam, which means “helmet of will”. Parents who name their baby boys Liam hope that they grow up to become determined and iron-willed protectors.
2. Noah
The name Noah is associated with the biblical character who built the ark of refuge for the great flood. It is the most popular name in Denmark and is of Hebrew origin, meaning rest and peace.
3. William
William has been one of the longest-standing popular boys names of all time until it met its modern day take of Liam. The name William was first introduced to England by William the Conqueror and it means “harnessed with a gilded helmet”. Along with Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and the future King of England, there are numerous Williams in royal families in Italy, Netherlands, Germany, and Luxembourg.
4. Oliver
As a variation of the Latin-derived term for “Olive Tree”, Oliver is also the most popular name for boys in United Kingdom and Australia. Olive trees symbolise fruitfulness, dignity, and beauty, and its fruit, the olives, signifies peace.
5. Lucas
Lucas is a name of Greek, Latin origin, meaning “man of Lucania”. Interestingly, it was originally a locational surname for families from Lucania (ancient territory) in Southern Italy.
6. Benjamin
The name Benjamin has several great nicknames like Ben, Benny and Benji and it is derived from the Hebrew name Binyanmin, meaning “son” and “right hand”.
7. Elijah
Elijah, like Benjamin, is a name of Hebrew origin meaning “My God is Yahweh”, the name of the Hebrew God.
8. James
James is the leading boy’s name in Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland and it has been popular amongst royals, presidents, writers and entertainers.
9. Henry
Henry (or spelled Henri in France) means “ruler of the home” and the name is of German origin. The name Henry has been a favourite among royals and several celebrities have chosen this name for their sons.
10. Alexander
Alexander wins as the top favourite name for Icelandic and Russian boys. The name was derived from the Greek name Aléxandros, meaning “defending men” and has been in the top boys’ name since 1990s. The noble Alexander has also led to several variations like Alex, Zander, Xan, and female versions of the name like Alexandra, Alexia, Alexandria.
For Baby Girls
1. Emma
Emma’s a top favourite female baby name in the United States and it is of Latin origin meaning “Universal”. I guess that explains why there so many well-known celebrities named Emma!
2. Olivia
Olivia, a variation of the Latin-derived term for “Olive Tree”, is the most popular name for baby girls in the United Kingdom and it was first popularised by William Shakespeare’s character in the Twelfth Night.
3. Ava
The name Ava dates back to the medieval era and has Germanic, Latin and Hebrew roots, meaning “life”. Ava is a popular name for girls in the United States and is often seen as a variant of the name Eve.
4. Isabella
The name Isabella is derived from the Hebrew name Elisheba, a variant of the name Elizabeth, Isabella means “pledged to God” and the name has a rich history among medieval royals.
5. Charlotte
Charlotte is the feminine name of Charles, meaning a “petite and womanly” in French. In 2017, it was the most popular name for girls in the United Kingdom after it was given to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s first daughter!
6. Sophia
Sophia, meaning “wisdom”, has Greek origins and was originally used as female names of European royalty in the Middle Ages. Its variant, Sofia, is the top girl’s name in Italy, Denmark, and Russia and has been gathering popularity ever since the 2000s.
7. Amelia
The name Amelia, with its variant Amalia, came from the Germanic word meaning “industrious”. Parents who name their child Amelia hopes they grow up to be diligent and hardworking in everything they do!
8. Mia
Mia, meaning “Ocean Goddess”, “Queen” or “guardian of justice” in Scandinavia, sounds like a great name to behold. The short but two-syllabic name makes a great baby girls’ name without the need to worry about nicknames!
9. Mila
Mila has Russian and Slavic origins and it comes from Slavic names ending with Mila, like Camilla. The nickname turned popular baby girl’s name means “gracious” or “dear” in Russian, and “miracle” in Italian.
10. Harper
The name Harper was initially used as a surname and came from the occupation of a harp player. Harper is also considered a non-gendered baby name as it can be used for both genders.
No matter which name you eventually choose, bear in mind that your baby’s name is one that lasts for a lifetime and it helps define your child as an individual – within the family, to friends, at school, at work, and to everyone else he or she meets in future. Should you consider the options carefully and select it with love, I’m sure your child would grow to love his or her name!
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