2007 Bounty Baby Name Chart shows saying Grace is back in fashion

The legendary Hollywood beauty Princess Grace of Monaco has inspired a new generation of parents looking for a baby name with star quality. This year Grace topped the 2007 Bounty Baby Name Chart – a national survey of 380,000 babies born this year by the UK’s favourite parenting club – pushing Sophie, the 2006 favourite into sixth place.

The new Bounty Baby Name Chart reveals that the enduring allure of the silver screen is more evident than ever in this year’s list of the most popular baby names, with Mia, Olivia and James all making it into the top twenty. Proof that Hollywood legends like Mia Farrow, Olivia de Havilland and James Stewart still capture the public imagination. Even TV presenter Myleen Klass chose Ava, a classic Hollywood name, for her baby daughter born in August and Emma Bunton of the Spice Girls named her son Beau, a name shared by the movie star Beau Bridges.

The fastest rising girls name in 2007 is Sixties inspired, Summer which moved up 44 places from position 77 in 2006 to 34 in 2007. Ruby, the UK’s second most popular baby name for girls was given a boost by celebrity Charlotte Church who picked the name for her daughter born in September.

The traditional boys’ name Jack holds the number one slot for the 13th year running with Charlie in second place followed by Oliver, Thomas and Harry. The name Jack comes from the medieval pet form of John. For years, John was the most common choice for boys; it took second place in 1899, topped the list in 1934 and 1944 and has been a constant feature ever since.

The fastest rising boys’ name in 2007 is Jayden which shot up the charts from number 77 in 2006 to number 37 in 2007. Jayden is an American name and again proves the transatlantic influence.

This year there had been a mixed response from celebrities to the topic of baby names. For some, like Julia Roberts who chose Henry and Donald Trump who played safe with Donald Jnr. there has been a move towards the traditional. For others, like Katie Price and Peter Andre who gave their baby daughter the name Princess Tiaamii a new baby is an opportunity to be creative.

Faye Mingo, Marketing Director of Bounty and a mum, says that the Bounty Baby Name Poll provides an interesting insight into the impact of Hollywood on real mums and dads. “Naming your child is a decision that they will live with you for a lifetime. So parents are thinking about names to ‘grow into’ and taking their inspiration from aspirational sources like Hollywood actors and actresses who have the sort of names that convey style and elegance. "

She added, "Grace Kelly was one of Hollywood’s most legendary stars and her name has pure star quality. I am not surprised that it’s top of the charts this year.”

Notes to editors:
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Pauline Kent

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