THE most popular baby names in the North East last year have been revealed. 

Oliver remained the most popular name for boys in England and Wales for the eighth year in a row in 2020, while Olivia topped the girls’ list for the fifth year in succession.

Parents aged 35 and over continued to choose more traditional names, while younger parents opted for more modern and shortened names, the ONS said.

There were some similarities throughout the North East but many local authority areas produced different results for the most popular names. 

Like the rest of the country, Olivia proved the most popular with 190 girls with the name being born last year. In second place was Amelia with 169 and third Rosie with 135. 

Read more: Top 50 baby names for boys and girls in England and Wales revealed

For the boys, 219 Oliver's were born in the region last year. Charlie was a close second with 201 while 184 boys called Thomas proved the third most popular. 

County Durham, Stockton-on-Tees and Gateshead followed the national trend with Olivia being the most popular name but Amelia and Ava was also popular throughout the region. 

It was more of a mixed bag for boys' names in the region but Oliver was top in four places.