The Top 100 Baby Names for 2017

Top 100 baby names
©Top 100 baby names

by Jane McGuire |
Updated on

You always know when you’ve found ‘the one’ – man, wedding dress and name for your baby. Unlike the colour of the nursery, or the pram you choose, your baby’s name is definitely something you want to get right, but how do you pick the perfect one? To help you with your big decision, we’ve taken a look at the top baby names of 2017, plus new data from the Office of National Statistics, who look at birth certificate data to bring you the top 100 baby names for 2017 and what they all mean.

Read more: Popular baby names of all time and their meanings

Popular girls names for 2017

According to new data from the Office of National Statistics, Olivia and Amelia are the most popular baby names in England and Wales. Whether you're looking for a popular girls name, or a more unusual baby name, have a browse through this list.

Read more: The most popular baby names of 2019 so far

Popular boy's names for 2017

If none of these have made it onto your list, take a look at our Top 50 boys namesand Top 50 girls names.

Whichever name you choose for your little one, try creating a free Amazon Baby Wishlist ready for their arrival!

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Gender theories

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1) Low heartbeat

If your baby’s heartbeat is lower than 140 beats per minute, you could be having a little boy.

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2) You’re moodier than normal

Feeling grumpy and down in the dumps? It could mean you’re pregnant with a girl.

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3) Sleeping on your left side

Do you keep finding you wake up on your left side? It’s another sign you’re having a boy.

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4) Your skin is soft

Being pregnant with a girl could mean you’ve finally got that baby soft skin you’ve always wanted.

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5) You’re carrying low

If someone tells you you’re ‘carrying low’, it means your bump is lower and your baby lying closer to the pelvis – a sign that some believe suggests your baby’s a boy…

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6) You’re carrying high

… while carrying high could be a sign that you’re having a little girl.

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7) No morning sickness

If this is the case, then you’re very lucky!

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8) Bad morning sickness

This isn’t at all pleasant but might mean that you’ll soon have a mini me.

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9) Glossier hair

Got luxurious locks and all-round a better mane than you’ve ever had in your life? It could be a sign that you’ll have a son.

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10) Thin hair

​Hair lacking in volume? Apparently, it’s an indication that you’re pregnant with a daughter.

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11) Hairier legs

Found yourself reaching for the razor more frequently? It could mean you need to start thinking of some baby boy's names.

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12) Acne

One gender myth says that bad, spotty skin could mean you’re having a girl.

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13) Frequent headaches

Some believe that suffering from more headaches during pregnancy than normal is a sign that you’re expecting a boy.

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14) Carrying weight in your hips and rear

Suddenly found yourself with a more pronounced derrière? And more rounded hips? It might mean you need to paint the nursery pink.

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15) You’ve got cold feet

A strange one, but having chilly feet could indicate that you’re pregnant with a son. We’re not quite sure why…

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16) No pregnancy ‘glow’

While everyone’s talked about that ah-mazing pregnancy glow you’re bound to experience, you still haven’t come across it. Which could signal that you’re having a baby girl.

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17) You crave salty foods

Hankering after cheese, crisps and really salty meats is another signal that you’re carrying a boy.

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18) You crave sweet things

If you’re eating even more sugary treats than usual then you could have a girl. We reckon it’s a good excuse to indulge a little during your pregnancy.

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19) Your partner has put on weight during your pregnancy

This has to be the strangest of the lot. We reckon your partner packing on the pounds just means that he’s been having one too many sweet treats – but some think it could mean a baby boy is on the way.

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20) Your bump looks like a watermelon

Is this a compliment? You be the judge.

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21) If you ate a high calorie diet before you got pregnant

If you had a low-calorie diet and you didn’t have much of an appetite, you’re having a girl.

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22) Holding a ring on a piece of string over your belly and it moves in a circle

Tie a ring you wear every day to a length of cotton thread and hold it above your bump - moving in a circle means you’re having a girl, while swinging side to side means you’re having a boy. However, there’s some debate over which action signifies which gender. If you live in America, you’re more likely to believe the opposite!

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23) If you conceived in winter

If you fell pregnant in the summer, you’re having a baby girl. If you conceive in spring or autumn, there’s an equal chance of having a boy or girl.

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24) If someone asks you to hold your hands out in front of you, and you hold them palms facing up

If you hold them out palms facing downwards, you’re having a boy.

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25) If you pick up a key and hold it by its round upper section, you’re having a boy

If you pick the key up by its thinner lower section, it’s a girl.

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26) When you lie down, your baby doesn’t wriggle around too much

If your little one isn't wriggling round much when you're lying on the sofa, you might have a little mini-me on the way. If your baby is a little wriggler when you lie down, it’s a boy!

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