The classics aren't going anywhere: The baby names that have dominated the top 50 for two decades
Parents in Australia and around the world have been leaning on some of the most-loved timeless names for years and it's become a trend of its own in baby names.
New data from BabyCentre has found there are quite a few names that have been sitting in the top 50 for both boys and girls for over two decades, and it's the perfect inspiration for those looking for a name.
There are some names that aren't falling out of favour, sitting in the Top 50 for decades.
BabyCenter began issuing public reports on baby names in 2004 and this data has revealed the names that really have staying power.
While some trends take off quickly, they seem to fade just as fast, whereas these names for boys and girls prove they really do stand the test of time.
When it comes to these timeless names they do tend to be rooted in ancient culture or have biblical meaning – which is very true for boy names – which also gives a sense of history that adds to their appeal across generations.
These are the names which have hung around in the top 50 for over 20 years, for girls there are 10 names and for boys there are 14.
Girl names that have stayed in the Top 50
Ava
Chloe
Ella
Emma
Isabella
Lily
Mia
Olivia
Riley
Sophia
Do you know - or have - an Ava? Or an Olivia? Both very trendy girl names.
In 2003 the name Ava reached Number 3 on the list, but has remained a Top 10 name for almost every year since. It's currently sitting at Number 15.
And then there's Olivia which has absolutely dominated the top name charts for years. According to the BabyCentre data, the name has been in the Top 10 since they started recording data, and has topped the list at number one since 2021.
The name is much loved across the country, with Olivia in the Top 10 in almost every state in Australia for baby girls born in 2025.
When it comes to timeless boy names, 14 make the list in the new data.
Boy names that have stayed in the Top 50
Alexander
Benjamin
Daniel
Elijah
Ethan
Gabriel
Jack
Johnson
James
Luke
Matthew
Michael
Noah
William
For boys Noah is the real standout which has not only stayed high in the list, but cemented its spot at number one. It's been the top name for boys on BabyCentre since 2023, but a Top 10 name since 2006.
Similarly to Olivia, Noah has become very loved across Australia, scoring the top spot in most states for baby boys born last year.
So, if you're looking for classic baby name inspiration, maybe that Top 50 is the sweet spot for you to find the perfect name.
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