If your child is starting school in 2024, there might be some names that crop up more than others on the school register. Research carried out by Kiddies Kingdom into the most popular baby names of 2019 has thrown up the boys and girls names that are most likely to be on the register for school starters in 2024. And there's an interesting mix, from classic and traditional names to cool and unique names.
So if your baby is starting school this year (sob!) and their name is in the top 10, there's a high chance they might share their name with someone else in the class. You might want to stock up on personalised school name labels just in case!
Top 3 most popular names for school starters
First place:
Interestingly, Oliver and Olivia take the top spot for boys and girls - were parents of children born in 2019 looking for peace? Both are of Latin origin, meaning "olive tree" and symbolise peace and fruitfulness, which are often associated with the beauty and elegance of the olive branch.
Second place:
Coming in at second place for girls is Amelia, which is derived from the Germanic name Amalia, meaning "work" or "industriousness." If your child is 'Amelia', will she take on the qualities of strength, determination, and a pioneering spirit, as exemplified by the famous aviator Amelia Earhart?
George took the second spot for boys - perhaps inspired by the Royal connection? It means "farmer" or "earth worker" and has been a favourite name of the Royals for centuries for its connotations of strength, reliability, and a strong connection to the land.
Third place:
Isla is the third most popular name that's likely to be found on 2024's new starters' register. This beautiful name is Scottish in origin and suggests a sense of natural beauty and tranquillity.
Third place for boys is taken by Noah meaning "rest" or "comfort." This is a name you can expect to see a lot more of as your child progresses through school - it took the top spot as the most popular baby name of 2022.
The most popular names on the school register for Reception 2024
These are the top names for babies born in 2019, who'll be starting school in 2024. Is your child's name on the list?
The top names for boys
1. Oliver
2. George
3. Noah
4. Arthur
5. Harry
6. Leo
7. Muhammad
8. Jack
9. Charlie
10. Oscar
The top names for girls
1. Olivia
2. Amelia
3. Isla
4. Ava
5. Mia
6. Isabella
7. Sophia
8. Grace
9. Lily
10. Freya
Rebecca Lancaster is a Digital Writer for Mother&Baby, drawing on ten years of parenting her two children to help others navigating their own parenting journey. As a freelance writer, she spent ten years working with leading lifestyle brands, from travel companies to food and drink start-ups, and writing everything from hotel reviews to guides to the best British cheeses. She’s particularly interested in travel and introducing her children to the excitement of visiting new places, trying different foods (less successfully) and experiencing different cultures.