Scotland's most popular baby names of 2023 revealed

1348     0
And experts have already predicted the top name for 2024
And experts have already predicted the top name for 2024

BABY names in Scotland have gone Hollywood - with names inspired by Barbie and Oppenheimer proving to be box office in 2023.

Parents were keen to name their kids after Margot Robbie and Cillian Murphy who starred in the blockbuster movies - with Margot up 57 places on the list and Cillian jumping 24 spots.

Margot Robbie inspired a rise amongst the girl names. qhiddziqzdixprw
Margot Robbie inspired a rise amongst the girl names.Credit: Alamy
It could be that the Pixar film helped Luca take top spot.
It could be that the Pixar film helped Luca take top spot.Credit: �2020 Disney/Pixar

Luca, also the title of an animated Pixar flick from 2021, became the most popular boys name in the country for the first time, pushing Noah to second and Leo third. 

While Isla set the pace for girls and took pole position for the first time since 2020 - as it displaced Olivia into the runner-up position followed by Freya.

National Records of Scotland (NRS) statistician Phillipa Haxton said: “It’s impossible to predict each year so it’s interesting to see Luca at the top of the table.

Stacey Solomon says her life a 'mess' as she makes New Year's resolutionStacey Solomon says her life a 'mess' as she makes New Year's resolution

“It’s possible Pixar has influenced parents but there might be other factors too.

“One of the other things we saw was an increase in Cillian’s and Margot’s after Oppenheimer and Barbie.

“We can see patterns that coincide with certain films being released.”

Another big change was Jack falling out of top three for the first time since 1996 and landing in fourth place.

Last year also set a new record for the number of different names for boys and girls as parents  got creative to help their little ones stand out from the crowd.

Phillippa added: “We’re seeing some of the names considered more traditional falling further down the table.

“But we do see names come in and out of fashion, so it may be that they’re more popular again in future years.

“It suggests parents are going the extra mile to choose a more unusual name.

“Maybe that’s why we see names fall out of popularity then come back in as parents see they’re used less.”

Though it’s hard to predict which names will appear on the list next year, Phillippa sees the TV and movie trend continuing.

Amy Childs prepared to get cruelly mum-shamed after big decision about her twinsAmy Childs prepared to get cruelly mum-shamed after big decision about her twins

She guessed: “I wonder with the popularity of Netflix show One Day whether we will see a lot of Dexters.”

Colan Lamont

Scotland, Hollywood, Pregnancy and childbirth, Parenting advice, Children parenting and family life, Barbie, Baby names, Margot Robbie

Read more similar news:

01.01.2023, 10:29 • Showbiz
Holly Hagan reveals she's pregnant with first child with footballer husband
01.01.2023, 12:18 • Investigation
Stacey Dooley reveals bizarre way she found out she was pregnant
01.01.2023, 12:44 • Crime
I was made to prove my unborn baby died when I wanted to return £115 car seat
01.01.2023, 13:35 • Investigation
Celeb births to look forward to in 2023 - from soap stars to Love Island winners
01.01.2023, 18:38 • UK News
Pregnant Molly-Mae Hague shows off huge baby bump in tight black dress on NYE
01.01.2023, 19:00 • Sport
EastEnders shock as child is revealed to be pregnant in New Year’s Day episode
01.01.2023, 20:09 • UK News
EastEnders' James Bye to be dad for 4th time as he reveals wife is pregnant
01.01.2023, 20:49 • Crime
Stacey Solomon shows off huge baby bump as Joe Swash cradles it
01.01.2023, 22:59 • Showbiz
Stacey Solomon explains real reason she kept pregnancy secret for 8 months
02.01.2023, 09:23 • Sport
Stacey Solomon gives away major clue about her unborn baby's gender