6 Jan 2020

Amelia and Oliver the most popular baby names in the country for 2019

5:45 pm on 6 January 2020

Amelia has beaten out Charlotte as the most popular baby name for girls in 2019, while Oliver remains the top boy name for the third year in a row.

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In 2019, New Zealanders gave nearly 19,000 different names given to 61,000 babies, up from 13,000 names for 59,000 babies in 2018. Photo: Belinda Coles Photography

The list, released annually by Internal Affairs, also found New Zealanders were diversifying their children's names.

In 2019, there were nearly 19,000 different names given to 61,000 babies, up from 13,000 names for 59,000 babies in 2018.

Mia and Nikau remain the top Māori girls and boys names respectively.

The Registrar-General of Births, Deaths and Marriages, Jeff Montgomery, said Māori names were becoming more popular worldwide.

"Our names are an important part of our identity, our culture, and often, our heritage ... it's great to see more Māori names being registered."

Most popular girl's names 2019

  • Amelia - 255
  • Charlotte - 248
  • Isla - 232
  • Olivia - 225
  • Ruby - 206
  • Sophie - 190
  • Harper - 188
  • Mila - 187
  • Willow - 186
  • Ava - 185

Most popular boy's names 2019

  • Oliver - 335
  • Noah - 297
  • Leo - 257
  • Jack - 251
  • Lucas - 247
  • George - 232
  • James - 210
  • William - 210
  • Thomas - 202
  • Charlie - 192