These are the most popular baby names for 2021

It's the most wonderful time of the year.

The most popular baby names of 2021 from around the world have been revealed - and there's a few new entries to the list alright. If you're reading this article and wondering why yet another top baby names of the year list has graced your social media feed, never fear faithful audience - for there are multiple top baby name lists due to be released towards the end of the year. This is merely one of them. BabyCentre have released their own top baby names for 2021 list, and there's a few unexpected ones in there, in fairness. Tens of thousands of parents registered their newborn names on the website this year, allowing them to compile a comprehensive list of the most popular names of the year from across the globe. Strap in, you're in for a wild ride.

Top boys names:

1. Muhammad
2. Noah
3. Oliver
4. George
5. Leo
6. Theo
7. Freddie
8. Harry
9. Jack
10. Arthur
11. Charlie
12. Ryan
13. Ethan
14. Henry
15. Archie
16. Finley
17. Lucas
18. Oscar
19. Jacob
20. Thomas

Top girls names:

1. Olivia
2. Sophia
3. Lily
4. Amelia
5. Ava
6. Mia
7. Isla
8. Freya
9. Ella
10. Rosie
11. Aria
12. Ivy
13. Emily
14. Grace
15. Isabella
16. Poppy
17. Mila
18. Evie
19. Maya
20. Willow

2021 saw an increase in the number of gender neutral names being chosen by parents, as well some new trends among the meaning behind certain names, with both Nova and Neo (meaning 'new') proving popular outside of the top 100 lists. Elsewhere, names from superhero films and other media rose steadily on this year's list with Tony, Steve, and even Thanos making names for themselves across the globe. A few months back, the Central Statistics Office (CSO) released Ireland's top baby names for 2021. Jack took the top spot as most popular boys name for yet another year running, while Grace made it to the top for girls. Jack has been the most popular name for a baby boy since 2007, with the exception of 2016 when it lost out to James. James came second this year, with Noah, Conor and Daniel securing a spot in the top five. If you fancy having a look at the top 100 names for each gender, you can do so here.