New data has revealed that George, inspired by Prince George of Wales, is the most popular baby name associated with the British royal family. A recent analysis by mystery box site Cases.gg examined the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) data on baby names, highlighting the continued influence of the monarchy on naming trends in the UK.
In 2023, a total of 3,699 babies were named George, reflecting the ongoing popularity of the name and its royal connection. Prince George, who is currently second in line to the throne, appears to be a source of inspiration for many parents seeking a timeless and distinguished name for their children.
Following George is Archie, with 2,684 baby boys named after Prince Archie of Sussex last year. Archie, the first child of Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, is sixth in the line of succession. The name’s appeal is likely bolstered by the couple’s high profile and the warm public perception surrounding them, despite their departure from royal duties in 2021.
The name Harry, which has historical ties to Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, ranks third, with 2,403 boys given this name in the past year. Prince Harry is the younger son of King Charles III and Diana, Princess of Wales, and he currently stands fifth in the line to the throne.
William, Prince of Wales, follows as the fourth most popular name, with 1,806 babies named after him. As the heir apparent to the throne, Prince William, who married Catherine Middleton in 2011, continues to hold a significant place in the public’s affection. Together, they have three children: George, Charlotte, and Louis.
Rounding out the top five is Edward, with 1,612 babies named after Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh. Edward, the youngest child of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, is currently 14th in line to the throne.
The list also features names such as Charlotte (1,496), inspired by Princess Charlotte of Cambridge, and Louis (1,184), after Prince Louis of Cambridge. Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, is another notable name, with 1,115 babies sharing her name. Meanwhile, Zara Tindall, the daughter of Princess Anne, has inspired 685 names.
Interestingly, some royal names, such as Charles, Camilla, Anne, and Catherine, did not make it onto the ONS’s Top 100 Baby Names for the past year, suggesting a possible shift in naming trends as public admiration for certain royals evolves.
Gabriele Asaro, Head of Research at Cases.gg, commented on the findings: “Choosing a name can be time-consuming and challenging for soon-to-be parents, but drawing inspiration from the royal family can be a great way to select a timeless and elegant name with a rich history. The royal family members have always been very influential, so it’s not surprising that names linked to them have climbed the ranks of popularity in the UK.”
As public interest in the royal family remains strong, names such as Charles and Camilla may see a resurgence in popularity in the years to come. Asaro concludes, “As admiration for the royals continues, it is likely that more parents will look to the royal family for inspiration when naming their children.”