Matthew and Nicole most popular names last year

Matthew and Nicole were the most popular names given to babies in the Maltese Islands in 2002, according to the latest in a series of surveys carried out by the National Statistics Office.

In this year, 3,906 babies were born, of whom 52 per cent were boys. The vast majority of babies - 91.6 per cent - were born in state hospitals, while 8.3 per cent were born in private hospitals. Three babies were born at home.

Though still heading the popularity stakes, Nicole went down by 21 per cent over 2001. In 2002, 4.8 per cent of baby girls were given this name.

Maria and variants of it also lost some popularity, but still registered almost the same percentage from total female births as the first classified, 4.7 per cent. A new entry, Maya, shot to 8th place of the Top 20. Christina or Krista, Amy and Kylie were also long jumpers. The biggest drop was registered by Kimberly, but Naomi, Julia or Gulia, and Anthea also took a downturn.

Matthew and variations of it maintained pole position with 5.5 per cent of the total male births in 2002. Owen, which was classified second in 2001, dropped by six places and was replaced by Luke, or Luca. Sean was the highest new entry, appearing in 12th place almost out of nowhere, with Nicholas or Nick, and Gabriel also gaining considerably in popularity.

Joseph or Giuseppe, one of the commonest names given to baby boys up to the middle of the 20th century, has made an impressive comeback, appearing in the 15th place of the Top 20 boys' names. James, which ranked 12th most popular in 2001, has disappeared from the Top 20.

Cultural and religious influences play an important part in naming babies. In fact, in 2002, 25 per cent of babies were given a biblical name. True to Malta's tradition as a Catholic country, Maria is the most popular name given to baby girls at all times, especially as a second name. Nathan or Nathaniel seems most in vogue in December, due to the Christmas influence.

Italian names remain fashionable, with 16 per cent of babies in 2002 having an Italian name. There was a slight decrease in the practice of giving two names to a baby.