Most Popular Baby Names for 2004

Sean and Emma were themost popular babies’ name registered in 2004, the second year in a row that they have been top. There were 928 boys named Sean in 2004, 93 more than the second most popular name, Jack. There were 787 girls named Emma, 213 more than the second most popular name, Katie.

Exactly the same boys’ names have been in the top five since 1999, with only their order changing from year to year. There has been more change in girls’ names. This year, Amy replaced Ciara in the top five, and only Aoife and Sarah have retained their top five positions every year since 1999.

There were seven first time entries to the top 100 for boys: Charles, Christian, Hugh, Noah, Odhran, Rian and Tomas. Also, Lorcan and Owen returned to the top 100 after a year’s absence. The highest new entry was Noah, which rose from 213th place in 1999 and 132nd last year to reach 79th place. The names rising the most places were Odhran (up 56 places to 100) and Noah (up 53 places to 79).