Holly has been the top name or joint most popular name chosen for girls born in Ireland in the month of December for 10 consecutive years, according to the Central Statistics Office (CSO).
The most popular names chosen for baby girls in December 2023 were Holly (30) and Éabha (30), both in joint first place; followed by Sadie (28); with Sophie and Grace (both 27) in joint fourth position.
While it was not possible to reveal the names chosen for babies born on Christmas Day, “we can see a seasonal influence when it comes to naming girls”, said Seán O’Connor, statistician for vital statistics.
When it comes to the most popular names chosen for baby boys born last December, Jack (53) was the most popular name, 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.
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In December 2022, four of the five names chosen for boys had a biblical influence, with only Noah making that connection in December 2023.
Some 38 fewer babies were born on Christmas Day 2023 than on the same day in 2013.
Last Christmas, there were 75 babies born on Christmas Day, of which 38 were boys and 37 were girls.
Comparing 2023 with 10 years ago, there were some differences, 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 (38).
The list of the most popular Irish baby names for 2024 is due to be published in February 2025.
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