From Kylian Mbappe to Saoirse Ronan: the TV, movie and sport stars inspiring Scottish baby names

Olivia has overtaken Isla to once again become Scotland’s most popular name for baby girls.

Jack is the most popular name for baby boys for the 14th year in a row, followed by Noah and Leo, according to figures released today on baby names registered in 2021.

Among the names growing in popularity are those inspired by popular TV shows, Hollywood movies and world-famous sports stars, according to the data published by National Records of Scotland.

Sex Education and Domina influence girls’ names

The Netflix hit show Sex Education and Sky Atlantic’s historical drama Domina are among those inspiring parents, the latest data shows.

Paris Saint-Germain star and Star Wars director inspire boys’ names

Famous footballers, Hollywood directors and hit TV shows have all helped parents choose their baby sons’ names.

What are the most popular names in each area?

Across Scotland, some names have rocketed in popularity. For girls, Lyla shot up 56 places in the top 100 girls’ names to 74th overall, while Blake rose 46 places and Rowan 41.

Carson has seen the largest increase in the top 100 boys’ names in 2021, rising 42 places to 83rd, while Struan has jumped 37 places and Myles is up by 35.

Different areas of Scotland favour different names. Explore this map to find out more.

Are unusual baby names becoming more common in Scotland?

The range of names given to babies in Scotland is growing ever-longer, according to National Records of Scotland.

Director of Statistical Services, Pete Whitehouse said: “Beneath the headline figures the long term trend is for more names to be used each year, including some names only given to one baby in 2021.

“Almost 12% of baby girls were given a name that no other girl was registered with in 2021. Almost 9% of boys had unique names for births last year. Together with the growing range of names being used this means it’s far less common for children to share their name with their classmates than it was for their parents or grandparents.”