Muhammad has become the most popular boys' name in the UK, jumping up 27 places in the last year. It came in just ahead of Oliver, in second place, while Sophia proved to be the most popular name for little girls. In its list for the top 100 baby names for 2014, website BabyCentre noted an "enormous" surge in Arabic names, with Maryam the biggest riser for girls, jumping 59 places to number 35.
Nur is a new entry this year at number 29, while Omar, Ali and Ibrahim all debut in the boys' top 100.
© Photo: Getty Images"Traditionally Muhammad is often the name given to the first-born boy in Muslim families," Sarah Redshaw, managing editor of BabyCentre, commented. "With the increase of other Arabic names plus Aarav, an Indian boys' name, the top 100 shows the ever-increasing diversity of the UK today.
"Another notable trend on the list is the rise of 1970s classics, with names including Emma, Sarah, Maria and John all making a comeback.
As always, celebrities have helped give certain names a boost, with Simon Cowell's son Eric and the Beckham children all proving influential.
© Photo: Getty ImagesHarper is a new entry in the top 100, Romeo is up 67 per cent and Cruz by 400 per cent. Meanwhile, Eric increased by 314 per cent.
A little less popular were royal names, with George, William and Harry dropping down the list for a second year in a row – although a spike is predicted next year for the name the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge choose for their second child.
TV continues to inspire new parents.
Piper, the name made popular by US TV series Orange is the New Black, is up by 267 per cent, while Emilia , from Game of Thrones, is a new entry at number 53.
Breaking Bad's Skyler, Jesse and Walter have also all increased in popularity.
Top ten boys' names for 2014
- Muhammad
- Oliver
- Jack
- Noah
- Jacob
- Charlie
- Harry
- Joshua
- James
- Ethan
Top ten girls' names for 2014
- Sophia
- Emily
- Lily
- Olivia
- Amelia
- Isla
- Isabella
- Ava
- Sophie
- Chloe
