The Top 20 Baby Names Of 2012

Stuck on a name for your baby? Be inspired by the meanings behind these great baby boy and baby girl names

Harry

Officially a pet version of Henry, but popular as a name in its own right. Prince Harry and Harry Potter make it a permanent top ten fixture.

Introduce your baby to cutlery as soon as your start weaning

Oliver

Super-popular name choice that means 'oluve tree.' Consistently in the top ten.

Jack

Pet form of John but popular in its own right. Jackson and Jake are variations.

Charlie

A name of Germanic origin meaning ‘a man.’ Charlie is a more popular, informal version of Charles.

Jacob

Biblical name meaning ‘supplanter’ and 'holder of the heel'.

Sometimes on a hot day you just want to rip your clothes off and become a nudist, but this is definitely not acceptable in the office.

Thomas

From an Aramaic word that means 'twin'. Tom and Tommy are popular pet versions.

Alfie

Short version of the more traditional Alfred, it’s from an Old English word meaning ‘wisdom’.

William

The old English name William means 'resolute protector' and was popular for a long time after the Norman conquest in A.D.

Riley

An Irish name meaning 'valiant'.

Washing and bathtime for baby - your essential guide

James

Super-traditional biblical and royal name, derived from Jacob.

Amelia

One of the most popular current names, Amelia is derived from the Germanic word ‘amal’ meaning ‘work’ and means ‘industrious’ and ‘fertile’.

Olivia

Super-popular Shakespearean name deriving from the Latin word for 'olive tree'. Olive is a cute, less common variant.

Jessica

A perennially popular choice meaning 'to behold'. Jessie is a pet version.

Emily

Harks back to Roman times, but is also a timeless classic, particularly popular during the 19th Century.

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Lily

One of the most popular names in England and Wales for the past seven years for its vintage tone.

It doesn’t have to be legging it on a treadmill in front of him – think a walk to the shops, stroll in the park… ‘Some sort of activity each day is great for your physical and mental health, plus it’s much easier to encourage older children to be active

Ava

St Ava was a 9th Century princess, daughter of Pepin II of Aquitine. Fifties Hollywood icon Ava Gardner has kept its popularity sky high.

Mia

Mia means 'mine' or 'wished-for child' from its Latin origin. It is considered an abbreviation of both 'Maria' and the male 'Michael.'

Ellie Goulding did a set at the royal wedding but, assuming your baby (or budget!) won’t expect quite that level of ents, go for consistent winners – music, bubbles and toys. Image: Corbis

Isla

Popular Scottish name derived from ‘Islay’, an island in Scotland.

Help your little ones to make a chain of daisies – a great way to get them outside enjoying the garden in the summer, as well as being a brilliant way of bringing on their fine motor skills. You can even make them into headdresses and bracelets.

Sophie

And the near identical Sophia, plus their friend Sofia,are crazy popular names meaning 'wisdom'.

Dressing up doesn’t have to involve expensive shop-bought outfits (you’d never be able to track down a <em>Frozen</em> dress anyway), instead use items you’d normally take to the charity shop – scarfs, hats and t-shirts. Your toddler will love imagining

Isabella

A Spanish form of the name ‘Elizabeth’, meaning ‘pledged to God’ and a popular name choice.

Author: Jennifer Read-Dominguez And Alison Coldridge Jennifer Read-Dominguez And Alison Coldridge
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