National

Oliver is B.C.'s most popular name in 2024, as century of data show names come and go

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 01 Jan, 2025 05:43 PM

Oliver was the most popular name for babies in British Columbia in 2024, taking over from Noah, but both still have a long way to go to catch up with the most popular name of the past 100 years.

B.C.'s Vital Statistics Agency says there were 216 Olivers born in the past year, topping the list for the first time, followed by Olivia, Liam, Noah, and Theodore.

The top ten for 2024 is rounded out by Charlotte, Lucas, Isla, Amelia and Leo.

But none of those names come close to Robert, which was bestowed on only 14 B.C. babies in 2024, but reigns as the most popular name over the past 100 years, being used 36,065 times.

Close behind is David on 35,364, while the most popular traditional girl's name since 1925 is Jennifer, used 15,959 times.

The statistics show how name trends come and go, with not a single Noah registered in B.C. until 1973.

And while Susan and Patricia are among the most popular girls' names since 1925, no Susans or Patricias were born in B.C. in 2024.

Diversity of names has also increased -- although Noah was the only name used more than 200 times in 2024, more than 30 names were used more than 200 times each in 1984, when the most popular name, Michael, was used 813 times.

The Vital Statistics Agency says that as of Dec. 16, 38,103 babies were registered as born in B.C. in 2024.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Canada may add more resources at the U.S. border after tariff threats: minister

Immigration Minister Marc Miller says Canada is considering a number of measures at the American border, including additional resources. This comes after president-elect Donald Trump threatened to impose 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports unless action is taken to stem the flow of both migrants and illegal drugs crossing the border.

Canada may add more resources at the U.S. border after tariff threats: minister

Economic impact of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour in Vancouver estimated at $157 M

Tourism body Destination Vancouver says Taylor Swift will bring an estimated $157 million economic impact to the city next week with the three final concert dates of the record-breaking Eras Tour. Destination Vancouver says the forecast includes $97 million in direct spending on items including accommodation, food and transport.

Economic impact of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour in Vancouver estimated at $157 M

Violence in Montreal had nothing to do with pro-Palestinian cause: police chief

Montreal's police chief says it's "impossible" for protest organizers to prevent people bent on violence from infiltrating demonstrations. Fady Dagher says the organizers of Friday's anti-NATO protest in Montreal bear limited responsibility for the relatively small number of people who smashed windows during the demonstration.

Violence in Montreal had nothing to do with pro-Palestinian cause: police chief

Trump's 25% per cent tariff would lead to pain on both sides of border, leaders say

The president-elect posted to Truth Social on Monday that he would sign an executive order imposing a 25 per cent tariff on all products coming in to the United States from Canada and Mexico.

Trump's 25% per cent tariff would lead to pain on both sides of border, leaders say

350K for Vancouver music fund

Vancouver is committing 350-thousand-dollars to the city's Music Fund. It says the funding will support Indigenous and underrepresented groups working in the music and sound recording industry.

350K for Vancouver music fund

Montreal mayor, police chief say masks will delay arrests after violent protest

Montreal’s mayor and police chief both say it will take time to arrest everyone who smashed windows and burned cars during a demonstration outside a NATO conference on Friday evening, since most of them had their faces covered. Police have so far arrested three people in connection with Friday’s protest, and police Chief Fady Dagher says there will be more arrests.