MEDIA RELEASE from the Department of Internal Affairs

4 January, 2012

Ruby, Liam most popular baby names in 2011

Ruby and Liam are the most popular names for girls and boys as registered with the Office of Births, Deaths and Marriages in 2011, according to details released today by the Department of Internal Affairs.

Liam retains the top position as most popular boys’ name from 2010 but Ruby claims the top spot amongst girls’ names for the first time, having ranked third in 2010 and second in 2009.

Joshua is the second most popular boys’ name (sixth in 2010 and fourth in 2009), with Oliver third (third in 2010 and second in 2009.) Lucas appears in the top five names for boys for the first time (after being 10th in 2010 and 11th in 2009.)

The top five girls’ names for 2011 are the same as 2010 - just the order has changed, with Sophie – which had held top spot since 2008 - slipping to third.

There is only one “new” entry in the top 10 lists, with Noah debuting as the sixth most popular boys’ name.

The full list is available on the Department of Internal Affairs website (http://www.dia.govt.nz/diawebsite.nsf/wpg_URL/Services-Births-Deaths-and-Marriages-Most-Popular-Male-and-Female-First-Names?OpenDocument) The names are recorded in a national register only. Unfortunately, we cannot provide regional breakdowns.

Top 10 Girls’ Names (2010 place in brackets):

1/ Ruby (3)
2/ Olivia (2)
3/ Sophie (1)
4/ Isabella (5)
5/ Charlotte (4)
6/ Grace (15)
7/ Ella (7)
8/ Lily (6)
9/ Emily (9)
10/ Amelia (13)

Top 10 Boys’ Names (2010 place in brackets):

1/ Liam (1)
2/ Joshua (6)
3/ Oliver (3)
4/ Lucas (10)
5/ William (5)
6/ Noah (13)
7/ Samuel (9)
8/ James (2)
9/ Benjamin (7)
10/ Jack (4)

ENDS