Sorry Caspanett, but Ben's the moniker to beat

Traditional names remain the favourites for modern babies, but more novel choices mark particular years.

"I think it depends on who's called what in a soap opera," says Tauranga woman Eleanor Burkin.

For 19 years the retired schoolteacher has been compiling an annual list of the most popular names, taken from the daily birth notices in the Herald.

"Years ago the Times in London used to list the top names and I was fascinated to read what people were choosing to call their kids."

When no one seemed to be recording the annual favourites in New Zealand, she decided to start her own list.

"But the names really don't change very much - they just shuffle about."

Mrs Burkin was surprised to find James, a hardy annual, drop down the ranks last year. For a long time first or second place on the boys' list, it slipped to 10th place.

But William and Jack were "shooting up" the list, and Ryan had pushed out Alexander.

In 2003, Ella was 10th favourite for girls; last year it was fourth. Sophie was also a fast riser, but Hannah and Georgia slipped in popularity.

Among the more unusual names for baby girls last year were Bayjour, Janalya, Karstein, Rudiya, Soizic and Zeynep.

Boys' names included Caspanett, Dejae, Krossnen, Leeland, Maz, Nelio, Qusal, and Talon.

* Jack and Emily were the most popular names given to boys and girls in England and Wales last year. Mohammed reached the top 20 for the first time, and Charlie went up nine places to 16, said the Office for National Statistics.

Top 10 names for 2004 babies 

Girls

1. Sophie
2. Charlotte
3. Emma
4. Ella
5. Olivia
6. Caitlin
7. Kate/Catherine
8. Georgia
9. Hannah
10. Isabella

Boys

1. Benjamin
2. Jack
3. Joshua
4. Samuel
5. Matthew
6. William
7. Ryan
8. Thomas
9. Daniel
10. James