The Office for National Statistics has tabulated the top 100 baby names across 13 years, from 1904 to 2024. For England and Wales, they reveal lifecycle patterns. For girls, the multi-generational endurance of Elizabeth stands out, the only one to remain in the top 100 throughout the whole period.
The Long-Lasting
Elizabeth, Emma, Sarah, Emily, Alice
Elizabeth stayed in the top 20 to 1964, peaking in 1954 at #8 just after Queen Elizabeth’s coronation. It gradually fell to #62 in 2024.
The Meteoric Rise and Fall
Susan, Tracy, Nicola, Sharon, Jacqueline
Susan is completely unranked in the early decades, skyrockets to the top spot in 1954 and 1964, then crashes out of the top 100 by the 1990s. Why did it become so popular?
The Rise
Olivia, Sophie, Jessica, Grace, Freya
Olivia enters near the bottom at #91 in 1994, climbs to #8 in 2004, to #2 in 2014, and reaches the #1 spot in 2024.
The Fall
Mary, Margaret, Dorothy, Edith, Annie
Mary tops the chart in 1904 and 1914, then begins a slow, majestic downward glide: #2 in 1924, #3 in 1934, #4 in 1944, #9 in 1954, #30 in 1964, and finally #97 in 1984 before exiting. It likely reflects the evolution from a society where churchgoing was the norm to one where fewer than half the population identifies as Christian.