Jack and Katie top favourite names list again

Jack and Katie were the most popular babies’ names in the North this year, it was revealed today.

With former model Katie Price maintaining a high public profile, Katie has been the most common girl’s name since 2004.

Government agent Jack Bauer is the main character in US television series 24, which has a massive audience here.

Jack has been the most popular boys’ name since 2003, followed by Matthew and Daniel. Sophie and Grace were among the most common girls’ names.

There were 320 baby boys named Jack and 260 baby girls named Katie.

The Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency published details today.

It said: “Over the last decade, parents have become more diverse in the first names they have given to their babies.

“In 2008 there were approximately 2,000 girls’ and 1,500 boys’ names used.

“These figures show the wider variety of girls’ names that are used.”