Most popular baby names of 2003

A dashing English Prince may be the reason the name William has jumped on to the list of top 10 boys' names for 2003.

Although Benjamin and James were the most popular names for boys for the second year in a row, William and Alexander have edged out Liam, Ethan and Harrison, a survey of Herald birth notices shows.

For girls, Emma has rocketed to the top of the list from ninth place three years ago, followed by Olivia and Georgia.

Tauranga resident Eleanor Burkin, who has surveyed the birth notices for about 15 years, is at a loss to explain the popularity of Emma - "it is one of those cute, enduring names" - but she has no doubt about one of the latest entries to the boys' list.

"I think William is there because of Prince William. Who else would it be? He's a very dishy guy," she says.

"The one that keeps surprising me is Jack.

"Seven to eight years ago Jack was nowhere to be seen."

Olivia, Georgia, Hannah and Kate have remained steady favourites but Isabella is new to the list, knocking out Maddison. Jessica, once a favourite, has not made the list for the second year running.

Mrs Burkin says boys' names tend to be more traditional, with less chance of an unusual spelling.

In 2003, a number of Gaelic and ethnic names also appeared.

Jack is the fastest riser for the boys, jumping up to third from 6th three years ago.

Matthew, a firm favourite in the 1990s, has slipped back, joining Joshua as a name that has dipped in popularity.

Some of the more unusual names chosen for girls were Artemisia, Athenasia, Aoibheann, Naazlyaa, Niescina, Rithia, Sjaan and Zaaliyah.

For the boys, the unusual names included Aodhan, Iestyn, Jaishaan, Marine, Oilibhear, Quavahn, Romijn and Sourav.