Traditional names versus unusual names

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According to the Office for National Statistics, 2008's most popular names were Jack, Oliver and Thomas for boys, and Olivia, Ruby and Emily for girls, showing a clear preference for traditional names.

Whilst a person with a traditional name may be perceived as boring, they'll also be thought of as dependable and trustworthy. In the same way, someone with an outlandish name may be regarded as strange, but also as cool and individual.

A name that's unusual without being bizarre could help your child to sidestep stereotyping.

Celestine Leah said, 'I enjoy the attention and the feeling of being a little bit different. I feel that my name is a gift, but I do think it says more about my mother than me.'