ONE of Britain’s least-loved baby names is set to make a comeback after more than 20 years in obscurity – thanks to England’s Euros success.
Neil Diamond’s 1969 hit ‘Sweet Caroline’ has become the tournament’s unofficial anthem, sparking a revival of interest from parents in the retro girl’s name.
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The moniker, which means ‘strong’ was last popular in 1996 when it was ranked at 182 in the national baby name charts.
But last year it had sunk to 1,119, meaning just a handful tots are given the name each year.
However, new research reveals a third of parents would now consider the name for a girl.
Overall, the Three Lions success has seen a surge of parents planning patriotic baby names.
One in eight mums and 23 per cent of dads say they would back a footie-related choice if England win, the study from the Baby Names Envy podcast found.
The fastest-rising football name is Sterling, which rocketed 630 places up the name charts last year.
While it is still only ranked at 1,369 in the boys’ chart, experts predict it will hit the top 500 this year thanks to goal machine Raheem.
CAROLINE COMEBACK
Also popular is Kane, loved by 18 per cent of parents.
The most popular player name is Jack, with 46 per cent of parents happy to consider it.
Meanwhile Mason is now the nation’s 42rd most popular boys name, up from 127 in 1996
However, 79 per cent of mums would even consider the wacky moniker Lion and 21 per cent England if the team lift the trophy.
Baby names expert SJ Strum from the Baby Names Envy podcast said: “Football is the beautiful game and it is responsible for some beautiful names too.
“Caroline is a strong and elegant name which is long overdue for a comeback.
“And if you want to honour the squad, what could be better than naming your son or daughter with one of their names?”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
