PARENTS in Renfrewshire have bucked the national trend when it comes to choosing baby names, with Jack and Evie proving to be top of the tots.

The National Records of Scotland (NRS) has published the list of all names given to babies across the country last year.

Jack was chosen as the name for 16 boys born to Renfrewshire parents, with Alfie in second place, followed by Jude and James in joint third.

A total of 17 girls born to Renfrewshire parents were named Evie in 2022, with Olivia in second place and Millie claiming third spot.

Across Scotland as a whole, Noah has knocked Jack off the top of the baby name chart for boys.

Jack had spent 14 consecutive years at number one but the biblical boatbuilder’s moniker has sailed into top spot, with 373 boys given the name in 2022.

The NRS report shows Jack in second place, with Leo completing the top three for boys.

For girls, the top name was Olivia, for the second year in a row.

It has been a long-term favourite, holding top spot in six of the previous seven years.

Freya took second place, with Isla the third most popular name for girls.

Daniel Burns, NRS statistician, said: “A relative flood of Noahs in the last four years has saw the name leap from eighth to first.

“There are now so many more names in use, as parents aim for something more unusual, that it takes far fewer babies to share a name for it to be high up in the charts.

“Back in the 70s, when David was the most popular name, there were upwards of 1,700 babies a year with the top boy's name. Since then, fertility has declined, meaning there are fewer births, but with more names in use Noah can claim the top spot with 373 baby boys given the name in 2022.”

Popular culture is also having an impact on the names chosen for babies.

Daniel added: “Luca has climbed 20 places to land in fifth place for boys, moving into the top 10 for the first time and possibly given a boost by Luca Bish appearing on Love Island.

“The name Maeve has been used in a couple of different TV shows and has grown in popularity over the past few years. Names seen on Love Island, such as Luca, Millie, Arabella and Kai, have all increased since appearing on screen.

"Other names apparently influenced by celebrities include Lando, Tilly, Matilda and Dua.

“The latest figures also reveal a rise in names relating to nature, with Violet, Daisy, Ivy, Wren, Dahlia, Primrose, Oakley and River all rising. Oakley and River rose for both boys and girls."