UK Baby Names 2004

Boys
Jack celebrates its tenth year as the most popular name for baby boys. Joshua, Thomas, James and Daniel join Jack in the top five. This is unchanged since 2002 and reflects the consistency with which parents select boys' names.

Girls
Emily occupies the top spot on the girls' list for the second year running. Chloe – top for six years until 2003, has slumped to number five, behind Ellie, Jessica and Sophie. Evie is the highest new entry in the top 50, up 22 places to 39. Other notable new entries include Madison and Niamh.

Hollywood Glamour
The glamour of Hollywood has had a real impact on this year’s list. Among the big climbers are both Keira (up 100 places to 53) and Kiera (up 30 to 94). One of Britain’s leading actresses, Keira Knightley, may have been partly responsible for the name's huge increase in popularity.

Another rising British film star, Sienna Miller saw the popularity of her name soar to perch just outside the top 100. Two of 2004’s biggest names - Scarlett Johansson, who appeared in Lost in Translation, and Oscar-winning Charlize Theron - also had an influence on parents’ decisions.

The Hollywood effect is not just limited to girls. Ashton has shot up the boys' list following the success of Demi Moore's actor boyfriend, Ashton Kutcher.

Sporting Heroes
Arsenal star, Freddie Ljungberg and England’s cricketer of the year, Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff, could be just two reasons why Freddie has found its way into the top 100. Equally, Jenson Button’s arrival as a major Formula One talent this year appears to have rubbed off on new parents, with Jenson stalling just outside the top 100.

Leo
Tony Blair's decision to name his youngest child Leo appears to have been a popular one with the British public: Leo is up 22 places to 57 this year.

Eastenders
It has been a tough year for Eastenders not only in the ratings but also when it comes to boys’ names. After surging up the list last year, both Alfie and Spencer have dropped down 9 and 47 places respectively.