Parents in Stevenage and North Herts have bucked the national trend by picking George as the top baby name for boys.

Despite topping the national poll for baby boys born last year, Oliver came out second in the area – followed by Jack and Joshua.

For girls, Sophia/Sofia was the most popular in Stevenage and North Herts, with Poppy, Isabella/Isabelle and Amelia all featuring.

Speaking after the statistics were released yesterday, Chris Hayward, who is responsible for registration service at Herts County Council, said: “It’s always fascinating to see what names are chosen. In the last year we have seen the revival of some older names in Hertfordshire such as Ava and Elsie for girls and Noah for boys. I was also interested to see the name Logan used for both boys and girls.

“Whatever choice parents make, they can celebrate the birth and naming of their child at a Civil Naming Ceremony organised by Hertfordshire County Council’s registration service.

“It is an ideal way for parents to formally name their child and welcome them into the family.”

The council is urging new parents to get in touch with them and register their baby at a local children’s centre.

For more visit www.hertsdirect.org/services/edlearn/css/childrenscentres.

The council also offers a naming ceremony – where families can celebrate and welcome a new child into the family.

For more information on civil namings visit www.hertsdirect.org/your-community/register/births/civilnam.