The Office for National Statistics has tabulated the top 100 baby names in England and Wales over 13 years, from 1904 to 2024.
There are 287 unique boys’ names that appear at least once in the top 100, according to the ONS tabulation.
The Long-Lasting
James, William, Thomas, George, Edward
Except for Thomas, they are royal names. Edward, never in the top 10, was never lower than #52.
The Meteoric Rise and Fall
Mark, Michael, Christopher, Luke, Joshua
Mark appeared only in the second half of the 20th century, peaking at #2 in 1974.
The Rise
Mohammed, Oliver, Noah
Mohammed entered the top 100 in 1924 and, over the course of a century, rose to the top spot.
The Fall
John, Richard, Robert
John held one of the top two spots until 1954, then fell rapidly, clinging to a top 100 spot only at the start of the 21st century.