PICKING a name for your little one can feel like an impossible task during pregnancy.
You want to make sure you choose something fairly unique, but not so out there that your child gets picked on.

The ‘normal’ baby names people hate and legally change have been revealed[/caption]
Some people opt to name their baby after a family member, whilst others take inspiration from a favourite book, celebrity or film character.
And your kid is stuck with this decision for life, so it’s important you get it right.
Unless, that is, they decide they hate the name so much that they legally change it when they hit adulthood.
New analysis of more than 14,000 name changes through Deed Poll has revealed the first names Brits have fallen out of love with – and the new ones they are embracing.
It turns out men named James are most likely to seek a rebrand, with more guys ditching this name than any other in the past five years.
Elizabeth is the UK’s second most commonly changed given name, with Michael, Susan, and Andrew following closely behind.
The analysis, which is the largest study of Deed Poll data of all time, was conducted by name label manufacturer mynametags.com.
It shows that Britain’s most changed names are surprisingly all traditional ones, with Rebecca, Thomas, Muhammad, and David also featuring in the top 10 most changed names.
By contrast, there is a rise in Brits opting for abbreviated versions of classic names.
Alex takes the top spot as the most adopted name since 2020, while Charlie, Ellie, and Jay also feature in the top 10.
“We’ve been analysing baby name trends for over 20 years, tracking how they emerge and evolve,” says Lars B. Andersen, Managing Director at mynametags.com.
“Our analysis of Deed Poll data shows the other side of the coin, the names that people are actively changing.
“What’s particularly striking is the shift towards abbreviated names, such as Alex, Charlie, and Ellie. This mirrors a broader societal trend we’re seeing in baby naming.
“Whilst traditional names still have their place, parents are increasingly opting for shorter, more contemporary versions of classic names for their newborns, prioritising ease and perhaps a touch of individuality.
UK’s most changed and adopted names
Britain’s most changed names:
- James
- Elizabeth
- Michael
- Susan
- Andrew
- Rebecca
- Thomas
- Muhammad
- David
- Sarah
Britain’s most adopted names:
- Alex
- Olivia
- Charlie
- Elizabeth
- Alexander
- Ellie
- Robin
- James
- Jay
- Rose
“It seems that whether Brits are welcoming a new life or embracing a new chapter, the appeal of a concise and current name is a powerful force across generations.”
The name controversy comes after a new study revealed the monikers that are quickly becoming favourites and topping the 2025 name charts already.
The research was put together using internal data from My 1st Years, the UK’s leading personalised baby gift brand, and revealed that Luca, Teddy and Jude are some of the most popular of the year.
According to the study, personalised gift orders using the name Luca are up a whopping 21 per cent,
“When it comes to real-time baby name trends, gift sales often beat the birth certificate,” Molly Ejdowski, spokesperson at My 1st Years, said.
“Luca’s rise is especially interesting, it’s stylish, pan-European, and growing fast.”
On the girl front, Isla remains one of the favourites.