What’s in a name? Top baby names for 2021

Published 9:24am 14 January 2022

Isla is the new queen of baby girl names in Queensland after overtaking long-running favourite Charlotte in 2021.

In revealing the top baby names of last year, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Minister for Women, and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, Shannon Fentiman, says it is the first time that Isla has topped the charts.

“In contrast, Oliver was the most popular baby boy name for the ninth consecutive year,” Minister Fentiman says.

“There’s going to be a lot of Olivers running around school playgrounds for the next couple of decades.

“As was the case last year, Oliver was comfortably the most popular boys’ name, again well ahead of Noah.”

Queensland Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (RBDM) data show Henry displaced Jack in third place, while Charlie replaced Thomas in the only change to the boys’ top 10.

Matilda and Lily were newcomers to the girls’ top 10, replacing Sophie and Harper.

“Charlotte had been the most popular girl’s name for five of the previous six years, but dropped to third favourite in 2021, behind Isla and Olivia,” Minister Fentiman says.

The name Isla is believed to be of Scottish origin, derived from an island called Islay. Australian actress Isla Fisher would be one of the most famous people to bear the name.

Maverick’s first ever foray into the top 100 boys’ names in 2020 was short-lived – it dropped out last year.

First-time entrants to the top 100 boys’ names in 2021 included Koa (a name of Hawaiian origin meaning brave, bold, fearless and valiant) and Huxley (from old English origins), while Octavia entered the top 100 girls’ names for the first time in RBDM’s records, which date back to 1960.

There were two Octavias in ancient Rome who were half-sisters, with Octavia The Younger being recorded in history as greatly admired for her virtues.

Minister Fentiman is reminding all prospective parents in 2022 to register their newborns.

“Registering your child is so important – it establishes their legal identity and gives children access to important life documents as they get older,” she says.