While Noah was the top-picked boy’s name across New Zealand and the North Island, with 250 babies sharing the name, Hawke’s Bay followed the South Island trend where Jack took the top spot.
In the Bay, 10 babies were named Jack in 2024, tied with another name, Theodore.
Laura Hyde’s youngest son, born on May 28 at Hawke’s Bay Hospital in Hastings, is one of the Bay’s little Theodores.
Affectionately called Teddy, his full name is Theodore Terrence Paterson, a name chosen for him because it is steeped in family history.
“Theodore is my grandpop’s name on my dad’s side and his second name, Terrence, is my grandad’s name on my mum’s side,” Laura said.
Born via emergency c-section at 35 weeks and six days, Teddy spent 10 days in the Special Care Baby Unit where Laura said he shared the space with another Theodore who had been born a couple of days earlier.
Popular Māori baby names are released separately around Matariki, the Māori new year.
Minister of Internal Affairs Hon Brooke van Velden said families should register their babies within the first two months of birth.
“SmartStart, a platform hosted by the Department of Internal Affairs, is a quick and free way to do this. It also has guidance for families about their children’s first years, including information about what services and assistance may be available to families.”
