Royal baby makes Charlotte the queen of baby names for 2016

Most popular baby names in 2016

There was an ode to old-school and a royal influence in the most popular baby names in Victoria in 2016.

Shane and Sharon have made the list for top baby names in Victoria. Just kidding. That was 50 years ago.

In truth, Charlotte has seized the throne as the queen of baby names for girls in 2016, usurping Olivia.

Charlotte is the French feminine form of 'Charles'.

Princess Charlotte toddles at children's party

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their two children, George and Charlotte, attend a garden party for military families in Canada.

The name no doubt grew in popularity after the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Catherine, chose it for their royal daughter in May 2015.

However, Olivia along with Mia, Amelia and Ava all remained in the top five from 2015, while Evelyn broke into the top 20 to replace Sienna.

Oliver took the crown as most popular boys' name for the third year in a row, according to the Victorian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

The Duchess of Cambridge with Princess Charlotte.
The Duchess of Cambridge with Princess Charlotte. Photo: Andrew Matthews

Jack, William and Noah also made a repeat appearance in the top five boys' names list for the second year in a row, while James edged out Thomas to round out the top five. 

The names Harry and Samuel also replaced Oscar and Benjamin in the top 20.

Oliver, a common medieval name, is of French origin and ostensibly means 'olive tree'.

Attorney-General Martin Pakula said there was a return to traditional names in 2016.

"While names have changed significantly over the past fifty years, it seems there are some old favourites – including Jack, James, Emily and Chloe."

The list of most popular girls' names looked very different five decades ago with Michelle, Karen, Lisa, Susan and Sharon claiming the top five places, while David, Peter, Michael, Paul and Andrew were the most popular names for boys. Shane was in the top 20.

Some names have continued to stand the test of time, with Lachlan and Jack both featuring in the top 20 names for boys 10 and 20 years ago.

James is the only name to have also appeared in the top 20 list over the past 10, 20 and 50 years.

Olivia, Emily and Chloe have remained popular choices for girls', appearing in the top 20 names in 1996 and 2006.

See the full list of popular names. 

Popular baby names for boys 2016

1 Oliver
2 Jack
3 William
4 Noah
5 James
6 Ethan
7 Thomas
8 Max
9 Mason
10 Alexander
11 Henry
12 Lucas
13 Charlie
14 Leo
15 Lachlan
16 Isaac
17 Liam
18 Harry
19 Samuel
20 Xavier

Popular baby names for girls 2016

1 Charlotte
2 Olivia
3 Mia
4 Amelia
5 Ava
6 Isla
7 Zoe
8 Evie
9 Grace
10 Chloe
11 Sophie
12 Emily
13 Ella
14 Harper
15 Ivy
16 Evelyn
17 Matilda
18 Isabella
19 Ruby
20 Lily