Luke replaces Matthew as most popular name

Luke and Maria were the most popular babies' names in 2006, the National Statistics Office said yesterday.

In 2006, 3,885 live births were recorded, of which 52.5 per cent were boys.

This represents a minimal increase of 0.7 per cent when compared to 2005. In the year under review, five babies were born at home.

As the name given to 3.9 per cent of all newborn boys, Luke, with its variants, was the most popular name of 2006.

Matthew, as well as variations on this name, was the next most popular, although this name registered a drop of 2.1 per cent in the popularity stakes when compared to the previous year. Matthew had been the most popular name for male newborns since 2001.

Kyle made an entry in the 20 most popular names for baby boys while names like Jean, Neil, Sam and Ryan disappeared from the ratings.

Maria, with its variants, has maintained prime position in the 20 most popular names given to baby girls in 2006. As the name given to 2.9 per cent of newborn girls, Maya was next in popularity. Amber appeared for the first time in these ratings while female names like Kaya, Christine, Jessica and Kimberly exited from the 20 most popular names for baby girls.

The NSO also noted an increase in Maltese names. In 2006, these included Krispin, Danjel, Guzeppi, Melita, Mikiela and Katarina.