Baby Prince makes 'George' popular UK name

London: The royal birth of baby Prince George last July has propelled his name into Britain's most popular names, leading to three princes in the top 10, while Amelia tops the girls' list for the third year running.

The one-year-old not only knocked off uncle Harry to take his place as third in line to the country's throne but also seems to have reduced the popularity of his name, according to official annual rankings published by the UK's Office for National Statistics.

William also edged up one place to eighth. Harry slipped from the top spot occupied for the previous two years and fell two places to return Oliver to the top spot as the most popular boy's name in England and Wales in 2013, just ahead of Jack.

George makes his top 10 entry at No 10 with 4,202 babies being registered under that name in 2013. Amelia remains the most popular name for new-born girls, for the third year in a row, just ahead of Olivia and Emily. The annual report, based on official birth registrations, also shows that British tastes appear to be going decidedly more upmarket with name such as Oscar, Hugo and Theodore surging up the rankings for boys.

The table, which is viewed as a barometer of social changes as much as fashion, also shows the increasing popularity of Muslim names. If the three most popular spellings for Mohammed are combined they would easily eclipse Oliver as the most popular boy's name overall, The Telegraph reported.

When the findings are divided by region Mohammed also emerges as the most popular boy's name in the West Midlands while in London Muhammad was in the top spot. Similarly Ibrahim, entered the top 100 boy's names, for the first time, ranked 89th overall, jumping 18 places in a single year and 43 places in the last decade.

But royalty remains among the most potent influences on baby naming choices. The arrival of Prince George came in the second half of the year, suggesting that the name could rise further when the 2014 rankings are compiled.