Local choices diverge from wider regional patterns
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveal how parents in West Berkshire named their children in 2025 and show a modest departure from broader regional and national trends.
Across the South East in 2025, the ONS recorded 42,342 girls and 45,044 boys born. Regionally, Olivia and Arthur led the tables for girls and boys respectively. However, within West Berkshire the most commonly registered girls' name was Poppy (11 births), while boys' registrations were led jointly by Luca and Oscar (14 births each).
"The most popular baby names across West Berkshire have been revealed"
Those local figures sit alongside the South East and England & Wales totals released by the ONS. Across England and Wales, Olivia was the most common girls' name with 2,386 births, while Muhammad and Noah featured highly among boys nationally and regionally.
How West Berkshire compares
- West Berkshire (2025): Poppy — 11 (girls); Luca — 14 & Oscar — 14 (boys, joint)
- South East (2025): Olivia — 420 (girls); Arthur — 621 (boys)
- England & Wales (2025): Olivia — 2,386 (girls); Muhammad — top boy name nationally
The local preference for Poppy and the tie between Luca and Oscar for boys highlights how naming choices can differ at a community level from county-wide or national patterns. Poppy ranked seventh across England and Wales with 1,789 girls given the name in 2025, while the South East saw Olivia dominate the girls' listings.
| Area | Top girls' name (count) | Top boys' name (count) |
|---|---|---|
| West Berkshire | Poppy (11) | Luca (14) / Oscar (14) |
| South East | Olivia (420) | Arthur (621) |
| England & Wales | Olivia (2,386) | Muhammad (highest nationally) |
These ONS releases are a yearly snapshot showing both enduring fashions — such as the continued popularity of Olivia — and local variations that reflect community tastes. For expectant parents and those tracking social trends locally, the West Berkshire figures provide a concise picture of naming preferences in 2025.
