Life really DOES imitate art... five babies called Banksy!

By the Editorial Team · Friday, July 10, 2026

Five babies were named Banksy in England and Wales in 2025, marking a rise in popularity for the name linked to the mysterious street artist. This trend reflects growing cultural influence from contemporary figures, alongside notable increases in names like Jude and Luca tied to sports and celebrity prominence.

The name Banksy, synonymous with the elusive and globally recognized street artist, has gained traction among new parents in England and Wales. According to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) covering births registered in 2025, five babies were named Banksy last year, placing the name at 3,864th in popularity. This marks an increase from its initial appearance in 2021, when three boys received the name.

While Banksy remains widely known primarily for his artwork and the ongoing mystery surrounding his true identity, parents who favor historical accuracy might consider the name Robin, after Robin Gunningham—widely suspected to be Banksy himself since reports emerged in 2008. However, the Banksy moniker continues to capture public imagination independently.

Among rising trends in boys’ names, Jude has seen a notable surge, climbing from outside the top 50 a decade ago to 14th place in 2025. The prominence of England footballer Jude Bellingham, who is expected to feature prominently in England’s upcoming World Cup quarter-final match against Norway, is likely contributing to the name’s continued rise. Another name making the top ten for the first time is Luca, now ranked alongside perennial favorites like Oliver and Arthur.

The most popular boys’ name in England and Wales remains Muhammad, spelled exactly as such, with 5,957 newborns registered in 2025—reflecting a 4% increase from the previous year. This name has held the top position for three consecutive years.

For girls, Olivia maintained its status as the leading name for the tenth year running, chosen for 2,386 newborns last year. Lily moved up to second place, possibly influenced by celebrities such as actresses Lily Collins and Lily James. Amelia, Isla, and Florence completed the top five names for girls.

Names associated with the British royal family continue to be favored, though their popularity showed some fluctuations. George ranked seventh with 3,082 registrations in 2025, while William and Charlotte tied for 25th place, and Louis placed 49th. In contrast, the name Meghan experienced a sharp decline, with only 12 babies named so in 2025, following an initial surge after Prince Harry’s engagement to Meghan Markle in late 2017.

These naming trends highlight both cultural influences and shifting preferences among new parents in England and Wales.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.