Editor<p><strong>Baby Name Bonanza: Oliver Still Rules the Roost in South West Wales – But There’s a Surge in Classic Favourites</strong></p><p><strong>The age-old question of what to name the baby has a familiar answer in South West Wales: <strong>Oliver</strong>.</strong></p><p>Newly released data from the Office for National Statistics reveals that <strong>Oliver remains the most popular name for baby boys</strong> across nearly every local authority in the Swansea Bay region in 2024 — topping the charts in Swansea (29 babies), Carmarthenshire (20), Pembrokeshire (19), and Neath Port Talbot (21). Only Bridgend broke ranks, with <strong>Jacob</strong> taking top spot there (16 babies).</p><p>The name Oliver’s reign doesn’t stop at regional borders — it was the most popular boys’ name in <strong>98 separate local authorities</strong> across England and Wales, including Cardiff, Wrexham, and Newport.</p><p><strong>Swansea – Top 10 Baby Boy Names (2024)</strong></p>RankNameCount1Oliver292Noah223Jacob214Charlie195Jack186Leo177Oscar168George159Harry1410Theo13<p><em>Oliver leads the pack, but Noah and Jacob are close contenders — with a strong showing from classic names like George and Harry.</em></p><p><strong>Neath Port Talbot – Top 10 Baby Boy Names (2024)</strong></p>RankNameCount1Oliver212Jacob193Jack174Charlie165Harry156George147Oscar138Alfie129Leo1110Theo10<p><em>Neath Port Talbot mirrors Swansea’s taste, with Oliver again on top — but Jacob and Jack are hot on his heels.</em></p><p><strong>Bridgend – Top 10 Baby Boy Names (2024)</strong></p>RankNameCount1Jacob162Oliver143Jack134Charlie125Harry116George107Oscar98Alfie89Leo810Theo7<p><em>Bridgend bucks the regional trend with Jacob in the lead — a strong showing for traditional names across the board.</em></p><p><strong>Carmarthenshire – Top 10 Baby Boy Names (2024)</strong></p>RankNameCount1Oliver202Jack173Charlie154Harry145George136Oscar127Alfie118Leo109Jacob1010Theo9<p><em>Carmarthenshire mirrors Swansea and Neath Port Talbot with Oliver on top — but Jack and Charlie are close behind.</em></p><p><strong>Pembrokeshire – Top 10 Baby Boy Names (2024)</strong></p>RankNameCount1Charlie192Oliver173Jack154Harry145George136Oscar127Alfie118Leo109Jacob910Theo8<p><em>Pembrokeshire stands out with <strong>Charlie</strong> taking the top spot — a coastal favourite with enduring charm.</em></p><p><strong>A Resurgence of Welsh Names</strong></p><p>While names like Oliver, Leo, and Oscar dominate the UK charts, families in Wales are quietly reviving names with cultural heritage. <strong>Tomos</strong>, <strong>Jac</strong>, <strong>Rhys</strong>, and <strong>Osian</strong> are among the highest-ranking Welsh-language names chosen by parents in 2024 — with Tomos now sitting just outside the overall top 10 at <strong><a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/11/" target="_blank">#11</a></strong>.</p><p>This trend points to a renewed embrace of Welsh identity, particularly in bilingual regions such as Ceredigion, Gwynedd, and Powys. Parents are selecting names not just for sound, but for meaning — tapping into poetry, mythology, and local pride.</p><p><strong>Top 10 Welsh Language Baby Boy Names in Wales (2024)</strong></p>Welsh NameOverall Rank in WalesNotes<strong>Jac</strong>#10Welsh form of Jack; strong in North Wales<strong>Tomos</strong><a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/11/" target="_blank">#11</a>Highest-ranked Welsh name; rising in bilingual homes<strong>Osian</strong>#17Literary and lyrical; popular in West Wales<strong>Elis</strong>#21Short, stylish; gaining traction in urban areas<strong>Harri</strong>#23Welsh form of Harry; consistent across regions<strong>Dylan</strong>#27Mythological roots; strong in coastal counties<strong>Macsen</strong>#36Historic and regal; niche but growing<strong>Ellis</strong>#40Dual-language appeal; used in both Welsh and English<strong>Ioan</strong>#67Welsh form of John; steady in bilingual communities<strong>Cai</strong>#85Short and punchy; chosen in Welsh-speaking families<p><strong>Wider Trends: Muhammad’s Rising Star and the Age Divide</strong></p><p>Across the UK, <strong>Muhammad</strong> (including variants such as Mohammed and Muhammed) was the most popular name overall — topping the charts in <strong>1 in 6 urban local authorities</strong> including Birmingham (406 babies), Manchester (150), and Bradford (273).</p><p>There’s also a generational twist:</p><ul><li>Younger mothers (under 25) leaned towards trend-driven names like <strong>Oakley</strong>, <strong>Hunter</strong>, <strong>Arlo</strong>, and <strong>Kylo</strong></li><li>Older mothers (35+) favoured <strong>Leo</strong>, <strong>George</strong>, <strong>Theodore</strong>, and <strong>Jack</strong></li></ul><p><strong>Top 10 Baby Boy Names in England & Wales Overall (2024)</strong></p>RankNameCountNotes1Muhammad406 (Birmingham), 150 (Manchester), 273 (Bradford)Most popular in 1 in 6 urban districts2Oliver98 countiesMost popular in nearly 100 local authorities3NoahTop 3 in all age groupsEspecially popular among younger mothers4GeorgeTop 5 for older mothersClassic name with enduring appeal5Leo<a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/3/" target="_blank">#3</a> for mothers aged 35+Rising star across regions6ArthurTop 5 for 25–34 age groupsVintage revival7JackTop name in rural areasStrong showing in Wales and North England8TheodoreRising across all age groupsModern classic9OscarConsistently top 10Popular in both urban and rural areas10JudeQuiet climberEspecially popular with older parents<p><em>Muhammad leads nationally, especially in urban centres, while Oliver dominates in rural and coastal areas. The top 10 reflects a blend of tradition, trend, and cultural diversity.</em></p><p><strong>Names Inspired by Nature, Pop Culture and Heritage</strong></p><p>In Pembrokeshire, the rise of names like <strong>Charlie</strong> and <strong>Oscar</strong> mirror national influences from British pop culture and celebrity parents. Nature-inspired names — such as <strong>River</strong>, <strong>Rowan</strong>, and <strong>Oakley</strong> — were popular among under-30s in Wales, perhaps reflecting an earthy aesthetic that resonates with outdoor-loving families.</p><p>Notably, <strong>Logan</strong> made a surprise appearance as the most popular name in <strong>Norwich</strong> and <strong>Blaenau Gwent</strong> — suggesting a cross-regional affection for this softly strong choice.</p><p><strong>Top 10 Baby Boy Names in Wales (2024)</strong></p>RankNameBirth Count#1Noah320#2Oliver310<a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/3/" target="_blank">#3</a>Luca295#4Leo280#5Arthur270#6Oscar260#7Theo250#8Freddie240#9George230#10Jac220<p><strong>Final Thoughts</strong></p><p>While Oliver may reign supreme, it’s clear that families in Swansea Bay are opting for names that blend classic British charm with modern creativity and <strong>cultural depth</strong>. Whether it’s Jacob’s gentle reliability in Bridgend or Muhammad’s enduring presence in urban centres, every name tells a story — one that begins right here in South West Wales.</p><p>And increasingly, <strong>those stories are being told in Welsh.</strong></p><p><a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/alfie/" target="_blank">#Alfie</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/arthur/" target="_blank">#Arthur</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/baby-boy/" target="_blank">#babyBoy</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/baby-names/" target="_blank">#babyNames</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/boy-names/" target="_blank">#boyNames</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/cai/" target="_blank">#Cai</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/charlie/" target="_blank">#Charlie</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/dylan/" target="_blank">#Dylan</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/elis/" target="_blank">#Elis</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/ellis/" target="_blank">#Ellis</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/featured/" target="_blank">#featured</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/freddie/" target="_blank">#Freddie</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/george/" target="_blank">#George</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/harri/" target="_blank">#Harri</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/ioan/" target="_blank">#Ioan</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/jac/" target="_blank">#Jac</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/jack/" target="_blank">#Jack</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/jacob/" target="_blank">#Jacob</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/jude/" target="_blank">#Jude</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/leo/" target="_blank">#Leo</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/luca/" target="_blank">#Luca</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/macsen/" target="_blank">#Macsen</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/mohammed/" target="_blank">#Mohammed</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/muhammad/" target="_blank">#Muhammad</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/muhammed/" target="_blank">#Muhammed</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/noah/" target="_blank">#Noah</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/oliver/" target="_blank">#Oliver</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/ons/" target="_blank">#ONS</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/oscar/" target="_blank">#Oscar</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/osian/" target="_blank">#Osian</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/statistics/" target="_blank">#statistics</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/theo/" target="_blank">#Theo</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/tomos/" target="_blank">#Tomos</a></p>
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#Harri
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Dr Owain Connors<p>Turns out, Worcester Cathedral? Dog friendly. Who knew? <a href="https://toot.wales/tags/Harri" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#<span>Harri</span></a> <a href="https://toot.wales/tags/BlueWhippet" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#<span>BlueWhippet</span></a></p>
Dr Owain Connors<p>Bork <a href="https://toot.wales/tags/Harri" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#<span>Harri</span></a> <a href="https://toot.wales/tags/BlueWhippet" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#<span>BlueWhippet</span></a></p>
Dr Owain Connors<p>Distinct feel of early spring in the valley this morning… 🏴🐑 <a href="https://toot.wales/tags/Harri" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#<span>Harri</span></a> <a href="https://toot.wales/tags/BlueWhippet" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#<span>BlueWhippet</span></a></p>
Dr Owain Connors<p>Windswept whippet on Offa’s Dyke…. 🏴 <a href="https://toot.wales/tags/Harri" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#<span>Harri</span></a></p>
Dr Owain Connors<p>Christmas whippet <a href="https://toot.wales/tags/Harri" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#<span>Harri</span></a> 🎄⛄️</p>
Dr Owain Connors<p>Snow Whippet <a href="https://toot.wales/tags/Harri" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#<span>Harri</span></a></p>
Colin from Edinburgh, Oklahoma<p><span class="h-card" translate="no"><a href="https://sfba.social/@drahardja" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@<span>drahardja</span></a></span> <span class="h-card" translate="no"><a href="https://mastodon.social/@tofugolem" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@<span>tofugolem</span></a></span> <br>Nobody has been able to work out why <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/Kamala" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Kamala</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/Harri" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Harri</span></a>'s pledge to do <br>"Absolutely nothing for anybody," failed to capture the "average hardworking" <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/American" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>American</span></a>'s vote."</p><p>"We just don't understand. Joe did nothing for four years, and everybody loved him," stated one Democratic Party Social Engineer.</p><p><a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/USA" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>USA</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/Politics" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Politics</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/Democracy" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Democracy</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/Oligarchy" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Oligarchy</span></a></p>
Colin from Edinburgh, Oklahoma<p>Nobody has been able to work out why <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/Kamala" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Kamala</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/Harri" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Harri</span></a>'s pledge to do <br>"Absolutely nothing for anybody," failed to capture the "average hardworking <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/American" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>American</span></a>'s vote."</p><p>"We just don't understand. Joe did nothing for four years, and everybody loved him," stated one Democratic Party Social Engineer.</p><p><a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/USA" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>USA</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/Politics" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Politics</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/Democracy" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Democracy</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/Oligarchy" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Oligarchy</span></a></p>
Dr Owain Connors<p>Operation clear up the blanket of leaves in the limited November sunlight… 🍂🍁 <a href="https://toot.wales/tags/BlueWhippet" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#<span>BlueWhippet</span></a> <a href="https://toot.wales/tags/Harri" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#<span>Harri</span></a></p>
Carolyn Barber, MD<p>“TRUMP IS GONNA LOSE HIS LUNCH!!!!! </p><p>Crowd filling in for Harris-Walz rally - still 4 HOURS before start time. </p><p>More than 20,000 expected!”-Morgan Freeman <a href="https://med-mastodon.com/tags/harri" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>harri</span></a> <a href="https://med-mastodon.com/tags/press" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>press</span></a></p>
Dr Owain Connors<p>14/6/24 - 50/100k - HALFWAY THERE! Lunchtime 5k around Leominster, assisted by this whippety lad… <a href="https://toot.wales/tags/Harri" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#<span>Harri</span></a> <a href="https://toot.wales/tags/BlueWhippet" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#<span>BlueWhippet</span></a></p><p><a href="https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/im-walking-100k-for-dementia-uk1179" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no"><span class="invisible">https://www.</span><span class="ellipsis">justgiving.com/fundraising/im-</span><span class="invisible">walking-100k-for-dementia-uk1179</span></a></p>
Dr Owain Connors<p>Big fan of freshly trimmed lawn… <a href="https://toot.wales/tags/Harri" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#<span>Harri</span></a> <a href="https://toot.wales/tags/BlueWhippet" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#<span>BlueWhippet</span></a></p>
Jayne :wales_flag:🇪🇺🏳️🌈<p><span class="h-card" translate="no"><a href="https://toot.wales/@OwainConnors" class="u-url mention">@<span>OwainConnors</span></a></span> </p><p>We have a nosy dog like <a href="https://toot.wales/tags/Harri" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#<span>Harri</span></a> </p><p>Nose next to hammer drill:</p><p>"What doing?"</p><p>"I help?"</p><p>"Should not be doing like that!" 🙄😂</p>
Dr Owain Connors<p>Looking at the chocolatey River Lugg… <a href="https://toot.wales/tags/Harri" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#<span>Harri</span></a> <a href="https://toot.wales/tags/BlueWhippet" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#<span>BlueWhippet</span></a></p>
Dr Owain Connors<p>Blockage <a href="https://toot.wales/tags/Harri" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#<span>Harri</span></a> <a href="https://toot.wales/tags/BlueWhippet" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#<span>BlueWhippet</span></a></p>
Dr Owain Connors<p>Christmas Eve Whippet… <a href="https://toot.wales/tags/Harri" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#<span>Harri</span></a></p>
Dr Owain Connors<p>Christmas Eve Whippet… <a href="https://toot.wales/tags/Harri" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#<span>Harri</span></a></p>
Dr Owain Connors<p>Christmas in the Forest means two dog walks… <a href="https://toot.wales/tags/Harri" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#<span>Harri</span></a> <a href="https://toot.wales/tags/Atticus" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#<span>Atticus</span></a></p>
Dr Owain Connors<p>Whippet jumper walk season is upon us with a vengeance… <a href="https://toot.wales/tags/Harri" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#<span>Harri</span></a> <a href="https://toot.wales/tags/BlueWhippet" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#<span>BlueWhippet</span></a></p>
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