James and Grace most popular baby names

Date published: 17 April 2025

James and Grace were the most popular first names given to children whose births were registered in Northern Ireland in 2024. Almost 950 baby names were registered that hadn't been used before.

Girls

Grace has returned to the top spot as the most popular girls’ name after five years at number one from 2018 to 2022.

Olivia takes second place, with Fiadh in third position.

Top 10

Grace
Olivia
Fiadh
Aoife
Emily
Lily/ Charlotte
Isla/ Sophia
Freya

Within the girls’ top 100, the highest climbers in popularity between 2023 and 2024 were Maya, Maria, Eliza, and Ayla.

Some of the less common names given to baby girls in 2024 were Dolly, Primrose, and Melody.

Boys

James has returned to number one after a six-year stretch at the top spot between 2015 and 2020, then regaining it in 2022.

Cillian was a close second place, with Noah in third position.

Top 10

James
Cillian
Noah
Jack
Theo
Jude
Luca
Charlie
Oisin
Oliver

Within the boys’ top 100, the highest climbers in popularity between 2023 and 2024 were Austin, Rossa, Callum, and Joseph.

Royce, Bentley, and Phoenix were some of the less common names given to baby boys in 2024.

Registering and naming your baby

Further information

You can get detailed information about names of babies in 2024 through the following link:

Baby names

If you want more statistical information, contact the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA).

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James and Grace most popular baby names

Girls

Top 10

Boys

Top 10

Further information

More useful links

Help improve this page - send your feedback

What to do next

Carer's Allowance

Discretionary support / Short-term benefit advance

Disability Living Allowance

Employment and Support Allowance

Jobseeker’s Allowance

Personal Independence Payment

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Select a language

James and Grace most popular baby names

Girls

Top 10

Boys

Top 10

Further information

More useful links

Help improve this page - send your feedback

Messages

What to do next

Carer's Allowance

Discretionary support / Short-term benefit advance

Disability Living Allowance

Employment and Support Allowance

Jobseeker’s Allowance

Personal Independence Payment