Parents put Kofi, Spike and Blade on list of baby names

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The secretary general of the United Nations, a reformed blood-sucker and a crime-fighting vampire have apparently influenced parents' choice of names for their offspring.

They have been highlighted by Bounty, an organisation which supports new parents and mothers-to-be and compiles lists of the most popular baby names.

It studied the details of about 380,000 babies born in the last year and discovered a crop of new names, according to the Times Educational Supplement.

For the first time, six boys have been named Blade, possibly after the vampire-fighting film character played by actor Wesley Snipes.

Some 22 have been named Spike, an undead character from the TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Fourteen boys were named Kofi which could be in honour of the UN's secretary general.

It is unclear whether the 94 Mylos are a misspelling of Milo or a deliberate homage to the dance music artist and DJ.

Girls have also gained their fair share of unusual first names including Kiki, Bronte, Luna and the unpronounceable Fds (correct)

Some old-fashioned names are making a comeback such as Lucien, Clementine and Bernadette.

However the most popular girls' names remain Jessica, Grace, Olivia and Emily and for boys they are Jack, Joshua, Thomas and Harry.

Simon Williamson, managing director of Bounty, said: "Celebrities, films and TV programmes are often the inspiration behind trends in newsworthy names.

"However over 90 per cent of parents still choose from the top 100 popular names in Bounty's annual Baby Name Poll of 380,000 babies.

"It's no surprise that Jack and Jessica are the top names for boys and girls so far this year reflecting the fact traditional names have an enduring appeal."

Bounty, the UK's largest parenting club, delivers guides and support packs to pregnant women and mothers of newborn babies.

TOP TEN BOYS' NAMES

Jack, Joshua, Thomas, Harry, James, Charlie, Oliver, Callum, Daniel, William.

TOP TEN GIRLS' NAMES

Jessica, Grace, Olivia, Emily, Ruby, Sophie, Chloe, Lucy, Katie, Ellie.

TOP TEN MOST UNUSUAL NAMES

Mylos, Kofi, Franco, Spike, Blade, Fds, Kiki, Bronte, Luna, Cadence.