Un a time, when Harry was at the height of his popularity, the maternity wards of British hospitals were full of newborns about to be christened with his name. And in 2018, thanks to her marriage to the prince and her entry into the court, Meghan’s name had also become one of the most widespread. But, just five years later, very few parents dare to name their children after the Dukes of Sussex.
Harry and Meghan Markle leave the Top 20
According to a study conducted by the specialized online community BabyCentreon the most popular names in Great Britain in 2023, the name Harry is much less common of the – very similar – Henry, the prince’s real first name, which ranks 11th in the ranking for boys. Currently in 23rd, Harry has dropped by 10 positions compared to last year, and therefore much less popular than Muhammad, Noah and Theo, the top three names.
Meghan Markle is not in the top 100
Among the names for girls, Meghan has suffered a sharp decline and it doesn’t figure in the top 100 even including the slightly modified version in Megan. It’s all the fault, experts say, of recent controversies. In short, the consequences of the accusations made against the Royal Family through documentaries, books and interviews are felt even at the time of birth registration.
The only consolation? The heir to the throne William (in 49th place) and his wife Kate are not particularly popular either, out of the top 100 even with the more Royal Catherine.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at the Invictus Games in Germany, 14 September 2023
Harry and Meghan beaten (or almost) by their children Archie and Lilibet
Archie is in 16th place, the name of the Sussexes’ firstborn, who turned 4 last May. And if Lily is in first place among girls, unfortunately little Lilibet, 2 years old, cannot claim victory. Her diminutive is not Lily (from the English name for the lily) but Lili.
But what are the most popular Royal names?
In ninth place for boys comes the heir to the throne George, but his little brother Louis (30th) and little sister Charlotte (25) are not particularly loved by the English. AND for a tribute to King Charles you need to go down to 19th place. Except that, instead of the English version Charles, we discover the more carefree Charlie. An all too casual name that the sovereign had already banned in Buckingham Palace years ago, as it is often used to make fun of him.
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