The top 2020 lockdown baby name trends are revealed

The top British baby names of 2020, which have been influenced by the coronavirus pandemic, have been revealed in surprising new research.

According to research done by Channelmum, names that signify hope, virtue,  happiness or rainbow colours are gaining popularity and predicted by 43 per cent of parents to be influenced by the current climate. 

Among the monikers are names associated with heroes, such as Avery and Florence, due to the association with both historic nurse Florence Nightingale and the Nightingale hospitals.

Joe Wicks, a personal trainer who has been prominent in keeping families fit online throughout lockdown, is also said to have inspired the names ‘Wix and Wicks’.

In their poll of 1,300 parents, they found Hope, Faith, Bliss and Joy are all on the list of ‘happiness and  virtue names.

Elsewhere Harbour and Haven are said to signify security, while Indigo and Blue mirror the 54 per cent rise in rainbow-themed names that have been popular in signifying the NHS’s frontline efforts.

One the other side of the coin, names thought to be associated with lockdown, such as Lockie, or corona such as Cora, and virus, such as Violet, are said to be taking a dip in popularity.

Speaking about the findings, ChannelMum.com baby name expert SJ Strum said: ‘Baby names reflect changing times and never more so than when the world is facing a catastrophe. 

‘The current crisis means parents are understandably stressed and anxious, so are using new-born’s names to celebrate new life and joy. 

‘Positive names are a wonderful way to keep focusing on the future and means that the child knows their name has real meaning.’