Olivia and Jack are the most popular names for babies
© DDP/AFP/File Torsten Silz

LONDON (AFP) - Olivia took the top spot from Grace, made famous by Hollywood screen star Grace Kelly, which slipped back to third place, the poll by Internet parenting group Bounty showed.

Ruby, the name given to the daughter of singer Charlotte Church, was the second most popular name for girls, the survey of 380,000 new parents found.

Jack has remained the top name for boys for 14 years despite stiff competition from Oliver and Harry which ranked second and third.

Faye Mingo from Bounty said parents appeared increasingly influenced by celebrities and sporting personalities when choosing names for their babies.

"Parents are more likely to name girls after a well known movie star or celebrity," Mingo said.

"Parents are also more likely to copy celebrities' own choices of baby girls' names, perhaps as a way of reflecting the aspirations that they have for their children," she said.

"Boys' names have witnessed the biggest changes over the last decade as parents are increasingly influenced by American culture and celebrity trends relating to films and sports personalities."

Amy slipped three places to 23, perhaps as a result of singer Amy Winehouse's troubled year.

Theo jumped 12 places up the boy's list to 58, probably inspired by England and Arsenal teenage football hero Theo Walcott.

Hollie, Tegan, Patrick, Dominic and Gabriel disappeared from the top 100 altogether this year.

The ten most popular names for girls were: Olivia, Ruby, Grace, Emily, Jessica, Sophie, Chloe, Lily, Mia and Lucy.

For boys, the favourites were: Jack, Oliver, Harry, Alfie, Charlie, Thomas, Joshua, Daniel, James and William.

©AFP