Harper's on the rise as Calderdale parents take baby name inspiration from Posh and Becks

Harper, the name Posh and Becks chose for their five-year-old daughter, is rising up the popularity table in the borough.

And parents in Calderdale also reflect national trends when naming their children, choosing the UK’s most popular names for both boys and girls.

Nearly 5,000 babies were registered in Calderdale in the last year. Along with Yorkshire and Humber and the UK as a whole, Amelia and Oliver were the most popular names for babies in Calderdale.

Councillor Susan Press, Calderdale Council’s cabinet member for neighbourhoods and communities, said: “Calderdale parents are clearly on trend when choosing a name for their child, with the two most popular names nationally for 2016, also taking the top spots in Calderdale.

“Inspiration for names seems to come from a variety of sources, with celebrity baby names, royal names and the more traditional all taking high spots in our list for this year.”

Classic names are still very popular in Calderdale with Olivia and Grace making a regular appearance in the list. The royal princes are also seem to influence new parents, as Harry and George both feature the top ten.

Reggie is a new entry in the top 100 names nationally and this popularity is reflected in Calderdale as it features prominently in the list.

Over the past year, the Council has seen a rise in the popularity of its baby naming ceremonies, with many people choosing them as an alternative to religious naming services.

The personalised ceremonies can be held at any public venue in Calderdale and gives parents the opportunity to celebrate the naming of a child, and involving family and friends in the occasion.

For more information visit www.calderdale.gov.uk and search for ‘celebratory ceremonies’.