Key findings

• Harry and Amelia were the most popular first names given to babies born in England and Wales in 2011, replacing Oliver and Olivia in 2010.
• Jacob replaced George in the top 10 most popular names for baby boys climbing five places from number 12 to number 7.
• Ava and Isabella replaced Evie and Chloe in the top 10 most popular names for baby girls, both climbing two places from numbers 11 and 12 to numbers 9 and 10 respectively.
• In Wales, Oliver was the most popular name for baby boys for the second year running, while Lily replaced Ruby as the most popular name for baby girls.

Most popular name by region, 2011

Region	Boys	Girls
North East	Jack	Lily
North West	Harry	Olivia
Yorkshire and The Humber	Harry	Olivia
East Midlands	Harry	Amelia
West Midlands	Harry	Amelia
East	Harry	Lily
London	Daniel	Isabella
South East	Harry	Lily
South West	Harry	Lily
Wales	Oliver	Lily

Seasonal variations

Harry was the most popular name for boys in nine months during 2011, with Oliver claiming the top spot in January, April and June. Amelia was number one in five months of the year, with Olivia claiming the top spot in January, April, July and August; and Lily in February, March and May. Thirteen boys names reached the top 10 for at least one month during 2011, as did 15 girls’ names.

Holly (number 26 in the annual ranks), the second most popular name for girls in December (number 21 in January), fell to number 54 in July. Summer (number 34 in the annual ranks) reached number 14 in August but fell to number 71 in December.

*Source: UK Office for National Statistics