Earlier this week a list of the top twenty UK baby names was released and, in spite of myself (being neither an expectant father nor knowing  any parents-to-be) I couldn’t resist the temptation to have a peek, if only to see if my apparently antiquated name is making a comeback. It isn’t, but the list still made interesting reading.

Top of the list for boys is Oliver followed by Jack and Harry. All good solid names with a nice British ring, although I was a little mystified by name number 11, Noah. I’ve never met a Noah nor even heard of one other than the famous captain of the Ark. Why would you call your son Noah, unless you are a student of the Old Testament or have an interest in boats or floods? Numbers 4 (Jacob) and 13 (Joshua) also seem to reflect an interest in the Bible and number 14 ( Muhammed) is indicative of the ever-changing face of modern Britain.

As for the girls, Amelia is top which surprised me a little since the only Amelia I can think of is the famous American pilot and adventurer, Amelia Earhart, who in 1932 became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic and who later disappeared whilst attempting a round the world flight in 1937. Second and third are Olivia and Isla followed by Emily and Poppy, two fairly traditional and pretty British names. Number 19 is Chloe which brings back memories of a family cat but other than that the girl’s top twenty produces nothing too out of the ordinary.

Baby names, on the whole, seem to be a reflection of the times and seemingly consign many of us, far removed from the top 20, the Johns, Davids and Peters, the Elizabeths, Marys and  Annes to the scrap heap of pre-history.  We must try not to take it too personally!