Top 10 Baby Names of 2012

Technology brands Apple, Mac and even Siri have surged in popularity as baby names this year, while erotic novel 50 Shades of Grey has also influenced infant monikers.

BabyCenter has revealed the Top Baby Names of 2012, showing the impact of popular culture on the choices of parents.



Girls
1)Sophia
2)Emma
3)Olivia
4)Isabella
5)Ava
6)Lily
7)Zoe
8)Chloe
9)Mia
10)Madison

Boys
1)Aiden
2)Jackson
3)Ethan
4)Liam
5)Mason
6)Noah
7)Lucas
8)Jacob
9)Jayden
10)Jack

The name Apple rose 15% for girls this year, vaulting an incredible 585 places, BabyCenter said.

Alongside being the name of the world's biggest technology firm, it was also selected by Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow for their first child in 2004.

Parents in 2012 are also keen on the name Mac, which jumped 12% for boys, although this would more likely be a shortened version of Macaulay or Mackenzie than an homage to Apple Mac computers.

But most surprising was that Siri has jumped 5% for girls this year. The name is also used for the voice assistant included in Apple's iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch devices.
BabyCenter found that the massive success of erotic book series 50 Shades of Grey has also influenced baby girl names this year, with the name Grey having increased 20% and Anastasia up 10%.

However, the name Christian has actually declined in popularity for boys. BabyCenter said that "while mums are physically attracted to Christian, they do not see him as a role model for their sons".