Baby Names Fit for Royalty

Amongst the decisions about what colour to paint the nursery or which buggy is the most suitable, one choice stands out as the most important for parents eagerly awaiting their new arrival – choosing a name – and parents often turn to relatives, books and even royalty for inspiration.

Little Princes and Princesses

In the first half of 2021, the most popular name for a newborn girl was Lily, likely inspired by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex who like many new parents chose to honour their own families and heritage in the naming of their child, giving their first daughter the name Lilibet ‘Lili’ Diana Mountbatten-Windsor. In second place was the name Amelia, followed by Sophia, Olivia, and then Ava.

For boys, the most popular name for a newborn was Muhammad, followed by Noah, Oliver, Theo and George. Amongst the top 20 boys’ names were Harry and Archie, keeping royal names high in the charts, and The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s choices of Lilibet and Archie for their children are likely to keep these names as top choices for some time to come. Other classic names have also seen a revival, with Elizabeth – the first name of Her Majesty The Queen – entering the rankings for the first time, at number 72, and perhaps in years to come we will see more parents inspired by these royal names.

A Royal Welcome

The Royal Family has had its own customs for the births of their new arrivals for centuries. Historically, midwives had to take an oath against witchcraft, husbands were banned from the birthing room, and government officials often attended the births as witnesses. However, rules and traditions have changed over time and His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh became the first royal father to witness the birth of his child after Her Majesty The Queen invited him to attend the birth of their fourth child in 1964. Today, with the eyes of the world upon them, the Royal Family often announce the birth of a new member of the family on an easel at the gates of Buckingham Palace, release official photographs and reveal the new baby outside the hospital as they leave.

Many parents enjoy announcing and celebrating their new arrival in their own personal way, with some holding baby showers or gender reveal parties before the birth and many people sharing a photo on social media revealing their little one to the world. Whether you are looking for a unique gift for a new arrival, a baby shower or a first birthday, The Royal Mint has something for every occasion. Made to treasure, our baby and christening gifts embrace the tradition of crossing a baby’s palm with coins or silver, seen as a symbol of wishes for good fortune in the future.

Choose from a Baby Journal, complete with a full gleaming set of the year’s coins, or a silver penny to commemorate their safe arrival. Set them on their way with Minty® – The Royal Mint’s official piggy bank – or for a more snuggly touch, we have our good friend Farthing the teddy bear.

The Royal Mint’s Baby and Christening Gift Collection is available now to help you find the perfect gift for the little one in your life.