Jack and Grace were the most popular first names given to children whose births were registered in Northern Ireland in 2021. More than 900 baby names were registered that hadn’t been used before, with movies, television series, current celebrities and memorable places appearing to be influencing factors for some parents.

Table of Contents

Girls Names

Grace has been the most popular girls’ name since 2018.

Emily takes second place, with Fiadh in third position.
Top 10

  1. Grace
  2. Emily
  3. Fiadh
  4. Olivia
  5. Isla
  6. Sophie
  7. Aoife
  8. Ella
  9. Anna
  10. Sophia

Within the girls’ top 100, the highest climbers in popularity between 2020 and 2021 were Abbie, Callie, and Mya.

Some of the less common names given to baby girls in 2021 were Blessing, Bluebell, Destiny, Dove, Fleur, Journie, Life, Precious, Serenity.

Boys Names

Jack was last number one in 2014 after 12 consecutive years at the top, and has appeared in the top three most popular boys’ name since 2000.

Noah takes second place, with James in third position.
Top 10

  1. Jack
  2. Noah
  3. James
  4. Charlie
  5. Oliver
  6. Theo
  7. Leo
  8. Cillian
  9. Finn
  10. Harry

Within the boys’ top 100, the highest climbers in popularity between 2020 and 2021 were Seth, Conall and Sonny.

Americano, Apollo, Bently, Harlem, Jet, Napoleon and Sunny were some of the less common names given to baby boys in 2021.

See also: Olivia and Jack are Scotland’s Top Baby Names

Source: NIDirect