Maja takes first place on the list of the most popular girls' names in 2008, while Lucas takes the lead for the boys. The last time these names topped the lists was in 2006. Those gaining in popularity the most rapidly are Joline, Iris, Sigge and Milo.
The name Maja was given to 850 girls. Nearly two percent of all girls were given this name in 2008. Emma came in second (827 girls) and Julia third place (821 names). Wilma, the most popular name in 2007 plummeted to ninth place in 2008. Among the ten most popular girls' names, Elsa and Klara have overtaken Ida and Ebba. One out of seven girls was given a name among the ten most popular names.
The leading name Lucas was given to 1 090 boys, or two percent of all newborn boys given a name. Last year's number one name William is now situated in third place with 980 boys given this name. Oscar takes second place, the name given to 1 063 boys. On the top ten list for boys, Alexander kicks Viktor out. One out of six boys was given a name among the ten most popular names.
Parents are increasingly imaginative
A total of 52 104 girls were given names in 2008. If every spelling variation is included, 5 758 different names were used. In 2007 somewhat more girls were given names, and 5 418 different names were used. Among newborn boys given names in 2008, 5 196 different names were given to 55 670 boys. The year before somewhat fewer boys were given names, and 4 763 different names were used. Like the girls' names, variation was greater for boys names in 2008 compared to 2007.
Of those children given names in 2008, 3 753 girls and 3 365 boys were given a unique name no one else was given that year. Among girls, this is an increase of 184 names compared to 2007, while among boys the increase is 305 names.
Joline, Iris, Sigge and Milo climbing quickly
New names on the top 100 list among girls' names are Jasmine, Iris, Hedda, Joline, Elise, Ellie, Majken and Vendela. The newcomers Joline and Iris are increasing the fastest. No longer on the list are the names Louise, Malva, My, Nicole, Sanna, Sigrid, Tova and Angelina. Felicia is decreasing the most rapidly.
Entering the top 100 list among boys' names we find Milo, Sam, Hjalmar and Harry. Names leaving the list are Dante, Alfons, Herman and Christian. Together with Sigge, Milo is rising in popularity the most rapidly, while Joel is falling the quickest.