William, Harry and George were some of the most popular names given to baby boys in the region last year, suggesting that royalty reigns high with parents when it comes to making the all important decision.

Ipswich Star: Most popular baby names of 2013Most popular baby names of 2013 (Image: Archant)

Jack and Amelia were the overall most common names given to babies born in the east of England in 2013. Jack rose from number three last year to claim number one, displacing Harry, which fell to third.

Oliver, which was the most popular baby name in England and Wales, remained at number two, and Charlie remained at number four.

George went up one place to number five, but the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which published the annual list today, said the full impact of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge naming the future king George might not be seen yet as he was only born midway through 2013.

Oscar (seventh), Jacob (eighth) and James (10th) all featured in the top 10 for 2013, having not done so in 2012.

Alfie and Riley, ninth and 10th respectively last year, fell out of the regional top 10 for 2013.

A spokesman East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) said: “In her role as Royal Patron, HRH The Duchess of Cambridge is a great asset to EACH; helping us to raise awareness and understanding of children’s palliative care as well as inspiring the public to support our cause and help raise valuable funds.

“Like The Duchess of Cambridge, William and Harry are also great supporters of children’s charities, showing compassion for many causes, which may explain why their names are popular.”

Meanwhile, Amelia retained her title as the most popular baby girl name in the east of England. Olivia moved up one to number two, and Emily also moved up one to third.

Jessica slipped two places to fourth, while Isla moved up three positions to claim fifth.

Poppy also surged from 10th to sixth, while Ava was a new entry at seventh. Sophie (10th) and Lily (joint eighth with Isabella) both slipped down the table.

Nationally, Oliver and Amelia were the overall most common names given to babies born in England and Wales in 2013, but the lists show that celebrities and characters from film and TV also appear to have a big influence while old fashioned names such as Ivy and Elsie are enjoying a resurgence.

The results indicate that shows such as fantasy drama Games Of Thrones continue to have an effect on choices, with 11 and six baby boys being named Theon and Tyrion respectively, while cult series Breaking Bad appears to have led to an increase in the number of girls named Skyler (72) while there were 58 boys called Walter.

And Harry Potter also appears to continue to inspire choices, with three girls named Bellatrix in 2013.

Siobhan Freegard, founder of parenting site Netmums, said unusual names of fictional characters were often chosen by parents in the hope they will make their child stand out.

She added: “But on the other hand, fantasy names inspired by shows like Game of Thrones and the Twilight series are beginning to go mainstream, with babies being named after Bellatrix from Harry Potter, Renesmee from Twilight along with Tyrion and Theon from Game of Thrones.

“For parents who want something different but find fantasy names too extreme, the top option is digging deeper into the past with old names including Ronnie, Seth, Elsie and Eliza all gaining ground, following the trend set over the last few years with names including Alfie and Eleanor.”

The most popular baby boy names in the east of England in 2013:

1. Jack

2. Oliver

3. Harry

4. Charlie

5. George

6. Thomas

7. Oscar

8. Jacob

9. William

10. James

The most popular baby girl names in the east of England in 2013:

1. Amelia

2. Olivia

3. Emily

4. Jessica

5. Isla

6. Poppy

7. Ava

(Joint) 8. Isabella

(Joint) 8. Lily

10. Sophie