Isis, the term now associated with the jihadist terrorist organisation, has turned up on the list of baby names in Malta for 2014.

There’s also Alla, Caszneya, Chacen, Opelle, Xenobia, Xirezya, Xyzel, Fumi and Lucia Early Bird. One girl is called Malta, while another has been named Aula, after a courtroom. And don’t forget Ola.

Last year saw another rise in African, Russian and Slavic names, indicating an increase in the presence of foreign families on the island. However, traditional Maltese names are also in vogue: Xandru, Ċikka, Carmen, Carmenu, Ġiuseppa, Ġużeppe, Ġużè, Ġużi, Innocenza, Nina, Peppi, Rita, Samwel, Tumas and Viktor all make it to the list.

Historical names and literary figures also feature: Achilles, Agrippina, Julietta and Neil Napoleon. There are hundreds of babies named after celebrities, the most notable of which is Farag, possibly after the Ukip leader.  

However, to put things into perspective, the most popular names are the very traditional ones: Daniel and Luca for boys and Julia and Martina for girls.

More in The Sunday Times of Malta and the e-paper on timesofmalta.com Premium.

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