Oh, baby: Noah, Olivia top list of most popular baby names in Alberta
The list of the most popular baby names in Alberta in 2017 has been revealed.
By Omar MoslehStarMetro Edmonton
Wed., Oct. 3, 2018timer2 min. read
EDMONTON—What's in a name?
Service Alberta has released its annual list of the most popular baby names in the province, with Noah and Olivia topping the list.
The three most popular boys names in 2017 were Noah, Liam and Benjamin, while the three most popular female names were Olivia, Emma and Charlotte.
Olivia has been the reigning champion for girls since 2013, while Noah dethroned Liam for the first time since 2010.
Speaking of thrones, it appears the TV show Game of Thrones has elevated the popularity of the name Aria, which made the top 10 list in 2016 and 2017 (the popular character's name on the show is spelled Arya, however).
Noah and Charlotte are new arrivals to the top three — Liam, Benjamin, Olivia and Emma all made the top three list last year. The list show that 250 Albertans chose Noah as their baby's name in 2017, compared to 236 for Olivia.
Rounding out the list for boys' names were Logan, Lucas, William, Ethan, Oliver, Jack and Jacob. The rest of the top 10 for girls were Ava, Sophia, Emily, Abigail, Amelia, Isabella and Aria.
Names that win points for creativity (having only been selected once) include Archimedes, Calyx and Timber for boys. For girls, some of the more notable names that were only selected once include Beautiful, Bluebird, and Poet. Some more popular names include River for girls (selected by 20 nature-loving parents) and Griffin for boys, the name of choice for 26 Albertans in 2017.
Jamie Naicken, a manager at Edmonton baby store Bosom Babies, said she's never had a situation where a pair of parents were panicking about what name to choose, but she has noticed a move toward more "traditional" or Biblical names.
"I think that people are trying to go back to more traditional names," she said. "They're short and nice sounding, but I think people think they're different. Although now they may know they're not."
Service Alberta compiles the list of most popular baby names from birth certificates completed by parents, and says it's a favourite among parents who are seeking the perfect name for their child.
They've also created an application to help Albertans find the perfect baby name.
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