James and Grace most popular baby names

Date published: 28 March 2023

James and Grace were the most popular first names given to children whose births were registered in Northern Ireland in 2022. More than 950 baby names were registered that hadn't been used before, with films, television series, current celebrities and memorable places appearing to be influencing factors for some parents.

Girls

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

Emily takes second place, with Fiadh in third position.

Top 10

Grace
Emily
Fiadh
Olivia
Isla
Aoife
Lily
Annie
Evie and Freya

Within the girls’ top 100, the highest climbers in popularity between 2021 and 2022 were Pippa, Nevaeh, and Lucia.

Some of the less common names given to baby girls in 2022 were North, Angel, and Pearl.

Boys

James was last number one in 2020, and has appeared in the top three most popular boys’ name since 2000.

Jack was a close second place, with Noah in third position.

Top 10

James
Jack
Noah
Theo
Charlie
Oliver
Oisin
Harry
Cillian
Thomas

Within the boys’ top 100, the highest climbers in popularity between 2021 and 2022 were Hugo, Luca, and Hudson.

King, Great, and Art were some of the less common names given to baby boys in 2022.

Registering and naming your baby

Further information

You can get detailed information about names of babies in 2022 through the following link:

Baby names

If you want more statistical information, contact the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA).

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James and Grace most popular baby names

Girls

Top 10

Boys

Top 10

Further information

More useful links

Help improve this page - send your feedback

What to do next

Carer's Allowance

Discretionary support / Short-term benefit advance

Disability Living Allowance

Employment and Support Allowance

Jobseeker’s Allowance

Personal Independence Payment

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Select a language

James and Grace most popular baby names

Girls

Top 10

Boys

Top 10

Further information

More useful links

Help improve this page - send your feedback

Messages

What to do next

Carer's Allowance

Discretionary support / Short-term benefit advance

Disability Living Allowance

Employment and Support Allowance

Jobseeker’s Allowance

Personal Independence Payment