CSO reveals most popular December baby names
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) recently revealed the most popular names chosen for babies born in December 2023 in Ireland.
Last Christmas, 75 babies were born on Christmas Day, of which 38 were boys and 37 girls.
While it is not possible to reveal the names chosen for babies born on Christmas Day, there seems to be a seasonal influence when it comes to choosing a name for girls born in December.
The most popular names chosen for baby girls in December 2023 were Holly (30) and Éabha (30) in joint first place; followed by Sadie (28); with Sophie and Grace (both 27) in joint fourth position.
When it comes to the most popular names chosen for baby boys born throughout December 2023, Jack (53) was the top choice, in line with all-year-round trends, followed by Noah (46); Liam (33); Cillian (31); with Theo and Rían (both 28) jointly in fifth position.
In December 2022, four of the five names chosen for boys had a biblical influence, with only Noah making that connection in December 2023.
Comparing 2023 with 10 years ago, some differences can be seen, most notably in the number of babies born on Christmas Day. In 2013, there were 113 babies born on Christmas Day, with 65 boys and 48 girls.
For boys born throughout the whole of December 2013, the most popular names were Jack (69); James (55); Noah (54); Conor (50); and Daniel (49).
The most popular names chosen for baby girls in December 2013 were Holly (83); Sophie (50); Ella (45); Emily (42); and Lucy and Amelia jointly (38).
Commenting on the release, Seán O’Connor, Statistician for Vital Statistics, said: “Looking at the most popular names for babies born in December 2023, we can see a seasonal influence when it comes to naming girls.”
“Throughout the whole of 2023, there were 104 girls born that were named Holly, a name that ranked 50th in terms of popularity, but it was the joint top name, along with Éabha, for girls born in December 2023 with 30 girls called Holly. Holly has been the most popular or joint most popular name for baby girls born in December for the last 10 years.”
For further information, the full list of the most popular Irish baby names in 2023 is available here.
The most popular Irish baby names in 2024 is due to be published in February 2025.