Classics Are Trend for Baby Names

Timeless classics were the trend for baby names in Nova Scotia last year. Matthew, Ryan and Jacob top the list of the most popular names for boys, while Emily, Sarah and Emma were the most popular names for girls according to information collected by Vital Statistics, a division of the Department of Business and Consumer Services.

But what do names really mean? Why is the name such a huge decision for new parents? Why are names passed down from generation to generation? The answer is simple said Liz Crowley-Meagher, manager of Vital Statistics.

"Names become a part of who we are. Each Ryan, Jessica, Alexander and Emma born last year will develop their own personality, giving their names special meaning for their family and friends."

Some of the most popular names are biblical. For example, Jacob, Noah, Hannah and Sarah are on the list. Just as fashion and music go through waves of popularity, so do names. In 1964, names like John, Robert and Michael topped the list of names for boys. Ronald, Kenneth and Richard followed close behind. Popular names for girls were Mary or Marie, Karen and Susan. Heather, Margaret and Barbara also showed on the list.

Back in 1934, popular names were John, Joseph and James and Mary, Margaret and Shirley. The only names that seem to stand the test of time are John and William. They rank high each documented year.

Last year, 9,401 babies were born in Nova Scotia, 4,842 boys and 4,559 girls.

Vital Statistics began automation of its records in 1992. As a result, records analysis is now much faster. This step was important for medical research as new insights can be gained into the population's health and demographics by examining birth and death records over the years.

The Department of Business and Consumer Services was created in April 1996, with a mandate to provide efficient and convenient services to Nova Scotians. In addition to Vital Statistics, the department houses Access Nova Scotia, Registry of Motor Vehicles, Consumer Enquiries, Residential Tenancies, Debtor Assistance, Financial Institutions, Nova Scotia Government Bookstore, Provincial Tax Commission and the Registry of Joint Stock Companies.

TOP 20 NAMES for 1998

BOYS No. GIRLS No. Matthew 113 Emily 100 Ryan 101 Sarah 94 Jacob 89 Emma 90 Alexander 84 Hannah 74
Nicholas 84 Jessica 71 Tyler 80 Taylor 71 Jordan 79 Rebecca 54 Brandon 78 Samantha 51 Cameron 74 Mackenzie 49 Joshua 74 Madison 49 Dylan 71 Megan 45 Morgan 69 Kayla 42 Michael 67 Courtney 41 Benjamin 61 Brianna 39 Kyle 61 Kelsey 39 William 58 Victoria 39 Andrew 57 Bailey 37 Austin 56 Laura 37 Noah 56 Olivia 37 John 55 Haley 36