JACK WAS the most popular name for baby boys born in Ireland last year, topping the baby names poll for the third year running.
Sophie was the most popular girl’s name, climbing from sixth place in 2008. Some 635 girls were named Sophie in 2009, five more than Ava, the second most popular girl’s name, according to figures released by the Central Statistics Office.
More than 1,000 babies were named Jack last year, 134 more than the number of boys named Seán, the second most popular male name.
The top five boys’ names in 2009 (Jack, Seán, Daniel, Conor and James) also made up the top five in 2007 and 2008. Four of the top five male names (Jack, Seán, Conor and James) have been in the top five since 1998, with only their order changing from year to year.
While Emma and Sarah have been in the top five since 1998, this is the first time Grace has appeared in the top five. Ava entered the top five in 2008 and Sophie has been in the top five twice since 1998, in 2006 and 2007.
Aoife was the most popular name in Donegal and Lucy the most popular in North Tipperary. Katie ranked first in Offaly, Mayo, Sligo and Monaghan.
Ryan was the most popular boy’s name in Louth and Sligo, while in Galway city Oisín shared the number one spot with Jack and Seán.
Fans of the vampire-based fantasy drama Twilight may have been inspired to name their children after characters in the book and movie series, some of whom feature on the list.
Isabella, the full name of Kristen Stewart’s character in the film, is ranked 70th, with Isabelle ranked 32nd. Jakub, the Czech version of Jacob – another character in the series, is ranked 58th.
A number of Polish names also featured on the top 100 list including Szymon, Patryk, Kacper, Zuzanna and Oliwia.
Patryk, Szymon, Zuzanna and Oliwia achieved the most growth in popularity between 2004 and 2009. Patryk jumped 856 places from a ranking of 953 in 2004 to the 97th spot in 2009.
TOP 10 NAMES FOR BOYS GIRLS BORN IN 2009
1. Jack 2. Seán 3. Daniel 4. Conor 5. James 6. Ryan 7. Adam 8. Michael 9. Alex 10. Luke
1. Sophie 2. Ava 3. Emma 4. Sarah 5. Grace 6. Emily 7. Katie 8. Lucy 9. Aoife 10. Chloe
Source: Central Statistics Office