In 2023, Scottish parents showcased a blend of creativity and tradition in naming their babies, with names like Banksy, Daemon, Isla, and Luca gaining popularity, according to the National Records of Scotland.
In 2023, Scotland experienced a remarkable trend in baby naming, witnessing an unprecedented variety of unique names alongside traditional favourites, according to the National Records of Scotland (NRS). Unique names such as Banksy, Daemon, and Demigod for boys, and Alloy, Costly, and Pasty for girls, were registered on birth certificates. This diversity in naming included a total of 2,362 one-of-a-kind names for boys and 2,983 for girls.
Among the more traditional names, Luca emerged as the top name for baby boys, displacing Noah from the previous year. For baby girls, Isla regained popularity, taking the lead over Olivia. The wide array of names reflects a significant shift towards individuality and creativity in naming practices among Scottish parents.
Statisticians, including Phillipa Haxton from NRS, noted the impact of pop culture on these trends. The popularity of names such as Cillian and Margot, for instance, could be linked to the fame of actors Cillian Murphy and Margot Robbie, while the animated Pixar film “Luca” likely influenced the name’s surge in popularity. Additionally, new names like Oakley and Mabel entered the top 100, signalling the evolving landscape of baby naming in Scotland.
The 2023 data reveals a growing trend of diversity in baby names, with Scottish parents opting for a mix of unconventional, unique, and traditional names for their newborns.
