‘Rian’ and ‘Olivia’ are parents’ 2022 names of choice

The most popular baby names by city and county in 2022 were released by the Central Statistics Office Ireland last week, with ‘Rian’ tops for boys born in Cavan, and ‘Olivia’ for girls.

Jack was once again Ireland’s most popular boys’ name, taking top spot for the sixth year in a row.

Emily meanwhile became the most popular girls’ name for the first time since 2019.

Murphy was the most common surname for babies born in 2022, according to new data released by the CSO on babies’ names registered last year.

Jack and James have been among the most consistently favoured boys’ names since 1998. Grace retained its position as the second most popular girl’s name in 2022. By comparison to near neighbours, as per the national trend, Jack was the most popular boy’s name in Monaghan as well as Meath, Noah in Westmeath, Cillian in Longford, and James in Leitrim. Grace was most often bestowed in Monaghan and Leitrim, Fiadh in Meath, Emily in Westmeath, and Anna in Longford.