The UK’s leading pregnancy and parenting destination baby resource Babycentre has unveiled their most popular names for babies for the first half of 2022 – according to their membership of nearly one million parents across Britain.
For newborn boys, the top two names remain the same from last year but one of the big winners is Jack – the most popular name in Scotland – which soared six places to take third place from Oliver.
Other names rising up the ranks include Zayn (up 46 places to 14), Kai (up 43 places to 25), and Ali (up 33 places to 31).
Meanwhile, names falling down the chart include Michael (down 34 places to 74), Hunter (down 23 places to 90), and Reggie (down 22 places to 88).
Here are the 13 most popular names for bouncing baby boys - and what they mean.
Read more:
9. Oscar
Oscar is a big mover in 2022 - up nine place from last year. It's an Irish name combining 'os', meaning 'deer', and 'car', meaning 'loving' - hence Oscar translates as 'deer-loving one'. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
10. Arthur
Completing the top 10 is Arthur. Thought to come from the Celtic word 'artos', meaning 'bear', historically its popularity has come from the association with the legendary hero King Arthur, of round table fame. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
11. Charlie
Just missing out on the top 10 is Charlie. It is derived from the German word 'karal', which means 'free man'. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
12. Freddie
Dropping five places compared to last year is Freddie. Coming from Germany, by way of America, it means 'peaceful ruler'. Photo: Canva/Getty Images