What's in a name?
And when certain baby names are so popular that newborns all over the world are being given the same moniker, you know picking one of these is a safe bet.
When it comes to baby-name trends, they aren't always limited by country or language. Some names turn out to be huge global success stories, loved by mums and dads all over the world.
So if you want to give your bundle a name that the whole world seem to love at the moment, be sure to pick one of these:
1. Emma
Meaning: Complete, Universal, Risk-taker
This chart-topper of a is equally popular in Ireland as it is in Canada, Belgium, Germany, Norway, France and Finland. The historical Emma was a Queen of England, the mother of two kings, a savvy and fearless adventurer.
2. Noah
Meaning: Rest, Comfort, Peacemaker
Noah is a strong name with deep biblical roots and widespread popularity. It's currently in the Top 10 in Canada, Australia, Denmark, Norway, Belgium, Germany and the north of Ireland. Noah also ranks high in France and Sweden.
3. Olivia
Meaning: Olive Tree, Emblem of Peace
Although an old name, Olivia as a popular choice for new baby girls exploded in about year 2000, and has remained in the top charts every since.
4. Liam
Meaning: Valiant Protector
Our very own favourite Liam is proving a hit in countries like Canada, Denmark, New Zealand, Sweden, Belgium and Norway. Liam is also popular in England, although the traditional William carries a bit more weight over there.
5. Sophia
Meaning: Wisdom
Sophia, goddess and symbol of feminine energy, comes from the ancient Greek sophos. Sometimes spelled Sofia, or the more familiar Sophie, Sophia is No. 1 in Denmark, Brazil, Scotland, the north of Ireland and Italy.
6. Jacob
Meaning: The Supplanter
Jacob is beloved in many countries in many forms. The Latin version of an Old Testament Hebrew name, Jacob gave us the Irish Seamus, the English James, the French Jacques, the Italian Giacobbe, the Spanish Jaime, the Scottish Hamish and the Portuguese Yago.
The name is big in here, as well as in Canada, Britain, Australia, New Zealand, and Scandinavia.
7. Isabella
Meaning: Sworn to God
Isabella is the Latin form of the French Isabel for Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist. Nicknames Isa, Bella, Ellie and Izzy stand in for Isabel, Isabelle and Isabella, all top 10 choices in the US, Canada, Brazil, Spain, Britain, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Australia, Ireland, Denmark and Sweden.
8. Ethan
Meaning: Strong, Enduring
Ethan is another Old Testament name that has old-fashioned charm and contemporary heft – one of its meanings is long-lived, which describes Ethan's place on the "most popular" lists in Canada, Australia, Britain, France, Ireland, Belgium and the Principality of Monaco.
9. Ava
Meanings: Lively, Birdlike
Short girls' names that end in "A" are trending upward worldwide and Ava is a three letter name with sizable appeal. Ava has language links with birds, heart's desire and beginnings; it might be related to the first Eve. Very popular here, as well as in Canada, Australia and Britain.
10. Lucas
Meaning: Light-giving
Luke, an English version of the Latin Lucas, is the name of a New Testament evangelist, and a high-ranking name here, we well as in Britain, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Both Luca and Lucas top charts in France, Sweden, Belgium, Denmark, Germany and Argentina.
11. Lily
Meaning: Lily flower. Pure. The flower lily is a symbol of innocence; purity and beauty.
Lily is an English baby name, but is equally popular in many countries all over the world, in particular the US, Australia, Scandinavia, France and at home here in Ireland. Variations include Lilly and Lillie.
12. Oliver
Meaning: The olive tree
The name Oliver is a French baby name. The biblical olive tree symbolizes fruitfulness and beauty and dignity. Extending an olive branch signifies an offer of peace. Oliver (and indeed the female version of the name, Olivia, have both topped the charts for baby names trends for a while now, and is especially popular here and in the UK, as well as in the US, Australia and in Scandinavia.
This article originally appeared on HerFamily.ie
