Two biblical names, Luke and Maria, were the most popular names given to babies born in Malta last year, when a total of 3,885 live births were recorded, 52.5 per cent of them boys. The total implies a minimal increase of 0.7 per cent when compared to 2005.

Five babies were born at home.

As the name given to 3.9 per cent of all newborn boys, Luke, with its variants, was the most popular name in 2006. Matthew, or variations on it, was the next most popular, although the name registered a drop of 2.1 per cent in popularity when compared to the previous year. In fact, the popularity of Luke was a sort of coup – Matthew had been the most popular name for male newborns since 2001.

Kyle made an entry in the 20 most popular names for baby boys while names like Jean, Neil, Sam and Ryan disappeared.

Maria, with its variants, has maintained prime position in the 20 most popular names given to baby girls in 2006. As the name given to 2.9 per cent of newborn girls, Maya was next in popularity. Amber appeared for the first time in these ratings while female names like Kaya, Christine, Jessica and Kimberly exited the 20 most popular names for baby girls.

The practice of naming babies after international celebrities is still in evidence among parents in Malta. Worthy of note is an increase in Maltese names. With respect to the year under review, these included Krispin, Danjel, Guzeppi, Melita, Mikiela and Katarina. Maltese parents’ devotion to modern religious personalities is reflected in the choice of names for baby boys such as Karol and John Paul.