A fresh national report shows Freya as the most popular girls' name in Scotland for the first time while Noah remains the top boys' name. This summary outlines key rises, regional variations and wider naming trends.
The latest national statistics on newborn first names in Scotland show a notable shake-up at the top of the girls’ list while the boys’ chart remained steadier. The name Freya has climbed to first place for the first time, while Noah continued to be the most chosen name for boys.
These figures reflect gradual changes in tastes, regional preferences and broader naming patterns that researchers and expectant parents watch closely.
Compiled from official birth registrations, the dataset highlights not just the top names but also movements through the top 100, variations by mothers’ age groups, and long-term trends in initials, endings and the diversity of choices.
Below we unpack the key findings and explore what they suggest about naming culture across Scotland.
Top names and notable movers
The headline outcome is simple: Freya is now the most popular girls’ name and Noah remains the top boys’ name.
Freya entered the top ten several years ago and rose steadily to reach the summit, while Noah has maintained a presence in the top three since 2026, underscoring its lasting appeal. Among girls, other leading names include Isla, Olivia and Amelia, all of which remain in the top ten.
Beyond the top ranks, the data reveal dramatic jumps for some names. For example, names such as Lilly and Matilda made substantial gains within the top 100, each leaping dozens of places. On the boys’ side, newcomers and climbers like Vinnie, Cooper and Ruaridh advanced significantly, with Vinnie entering the top 100 after a large rise.
Patterns by age group and geography
Age of the mother is a clear influence on name choice. The report shows Freya and Noah to be particularly popular among younger mothers, while older parents often pick more traditional names such as Sophie and Alexander. These contrasts reflect generational preferences and the persistence of classic names within some age cohorts.
Geographically, name popularity varies across council areas. Freya and Noah each emerged as most or joint-most popular in seven council areas, and Aberdeenshire was unique in having both names lead locally. In very small island communities some names do not reach the minimum reporting threshold, which affects local rankings and underlines how population size can shape the visible trends.
Insights on initials and endings
An enduring pattern is the dominance of the letter A as the initial for both boys’ and girls’ names in recent years. In the latest figures, a higher proportion of newborns received first names starting with A than any other letter. Meanwhile, names ending in -ie have become increasingly popular for both sexes, reaching record shares in the current data and appearing frequently in the top 20 lists.
Variety and uniqueness in naming choices
The total number of distinct first names given in the year shows contrasting directions for boys and girls. There were slightly fewer different girls’ names compared with the previous year, while the variety of boys’ names increased to a new high. The proportion of babies with entirely unique names — names not shared with any other baby that year — also rose for boys, reflecting greater experimentation and a wider spread of choices.
Despite the growing variety, the share of babies given the single most popular name remains small. This long-term decline in concentration around a few names points to expanding creativity in name selection and a move away from a small set of dominant favourites.
Where inspiration comes from
Parents draw inspiration from natural themes, popular culture and public figures. Floral and botanical names remain common — several plant-based names feature in the top 100 for girls — while celestial names saw boosts in recent years after prominent natural events drew public attention. Film and television can also influence choices, with some names jumping the rankings following high-profile cultural moments.
What this means for expectant parents and observers
For parents selecting a name, the report provides both reassurance and ideas: classic names retain enduring popularity, trending names can shift quickly, and regional or generational preferences can offer a useful steer. Observers and demographers can use the detailed breakdowns — including by mothers’ age, council area and name characteristics — to trace cultural shifts in naming practices.
Overall, the latest figures capture a balance between continuity and change: Noah remains a stable choice for boys while Freya’s rise reflects evolving tastes among parents, particularly younger ones. The broader patterns in initials, endings and variety indicate a naming landscape that is both diverse and dynamic.
