‘Charlotte’ popular choice

‘Charlotte’ popular choice

Princess Charlotte of Cambridge shares her first name with 256 babies born in New Zealand over the last year, according to details released by the Department of Internal Affairs today.

Between May 1, 2014, and May 4, 2015, 91 girls in New Zealand were named Elizabeth and nine Diana, the other names given the new princess. Alice, the other top tip for the royal baby, was given to 68 babies.

The Registrar General of Births, Deaths and Marriages, Jeff Montgomery, reminds New Zealand parents that it is not possible to have a first name which resembles a title - like Princess, Prinzess or even Prunczes.

If in New Zealand, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge would have been able to use the new online birth registration process launched last month. This allows parents to name their baby and order birth certificates completely online.

"Birth registration is free. Registering your baby as soon as possible is an important step for all parents. Birth registration confirms whether your child is a New Zealand citizen. It gives your child a legal identity and the rights, responsibilities and support services that go with being a Kiwi," Jeff Montgomery said.

“Both parents must jointly register the birth of their children. Registration allows birth certificates to be issued. They can now be purchased at the same time as the birth is registered or later online using RealMe as well as by phone (0800 22 52 52 in New Zealand) or visiting an Internal Affairs office in Auckland, Manukau, Wellington or Christchurch. Birth certificates cost $26.50 for one or $39.80 for a decorative package of two certificates of the same person.

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