The era of naming Canberra newborns after royalty appears to be waning, with the latest data revealing a fresh set of favourites for the nation's capital in 2025.
Evelyn Claims the Crown for Girls
For baby girls born in the Australian Capital Territory this year, Evelyn has emerged as the number one choice. This name, which originated as an English surname before becoming a unisex first name, has seen a steady climb in popularity locally.
It first entered the ACT's top ten list back in 2016, securing seventh place. After reappearing in 2018 and 2020, Evelyn has held a position in the top five consistently since 2022. Its resurgence mirrors a pattern seen in the United States, where it was popular in the early 20th century before returning to favour around 2017.
The list for 2025 shows significant movement. Four names—Hazel, Lily, Matilda, and Eleanor—returned to the top ten after being absent in 2024. Notably, Matilda jumped back into equal sixth place following a three-year hiatus, having been the second-most popular name as recently as 2021.
Meanwhile, several 2024 favourites including Ava, Harper, Mia, and Chloe fell off this year's list. The perennial favourite Charlotte remains strong, holding fourth place. Historically, Charlotte has claimed the number one spot a record ten times, while Emily holds the record for most appearances in the top ten, featuring 26 times between 1991 and 2025.
Oliver Holds Steady for Boys
On the boys' side, stability reigns. Oliver is Canberra's most popular male name for 2025, continuing a long-running trend. The name has been a fixture in the territory's top five since 2008 and has now reached the peak position seven times.
Oliver enjoyed a particularly strong run, leading the charts from 2021 to 2023 before dipping to third place last year. With Latin roots meaning "olive tree," the name symbolises peace and dignity.
The 2025 boys' list also welcomed back some returning contenders. Levi and Elijah re-joined the top ten after a two-year break, having first appeared in 2022. Charlie also made a comeback, landing in tenth place after missing out in 2024.
Looking at the broader historical picture, William has been the most frequent chart-topper, holding first place eight times between 2006 and 2018. However, for sheer consistency, Thomas and Jack lead the pack, appearing in the top ten 34 and 29 times respectively over the past three decades.
What the Data Tells Us
The annual list is compiled from compulsory registration data provided to the ACT birth registry. The figures offer a fascinating snapshot of cultural trends and shifting preferences in the capital.
Between 1991 and 2025, a total of 41 different girls' names and 39 different boys' names have featured in the territory's top ten rankings, demonstrating an evolving landscape.
In a related demographic note, the registry recorded 6,039 births in the ACT as of December 15, 2025. This represents a slight decrease from the 6,085 births recorded in the previous year.
The decline of overtly royal names and the rise of classic yet distinctive choices like Evelyn and Oliver suggest Canberra parents are increasingly blending tradition with individual style when welcoming their new arrivals.
