THE MOST popular baby names in Test Valley last year were Oliver for boys and Florence for girls, according to the Office of National Statistics.

Last year, 3,152 babies were born in the region, 1,613 boys and 1,539 girls.

Parents in Test Valley followed the national baby-naming trend for boys, with Oliver taking the top spot across the country and in the borough.

But Olivia, the nation’s favourite name for girls, also topped the charts for Southampton parents last year.

The second most popular boys name was Oliver, which was the most popular in Test Valley as well as New Forest, Eastleigh, and Fareham.

Florence led the way for girls in the borough, with New Forest seeing Ava top the charts, Eastleigh recording Amelia, and Isla listed for Fareham.

in Winchester, Harry and Olivia were the most popular names.

Nick Stripe, of the ONS, said: “Although Oliver and Olivia remained the most popular baby names in 2017, some fascinating changes took place beneath them.

“Leo entered the boys’ top 10 for the first time, while Hunter rocketed into the top 100, also for the first time, reaching number 78.

“Sarah, the most popular name for baby girls throughout much of the 1970s and 1980s, dropped out of the top 100 for the first time since our records began in 1904. Brand new entries into the top 100 for girls include the names Aurora and Hallie.”

In England and Wales, royal references continue with Harry and George remaining the second and third most popular names respectively since 2016.

Amelia was the second most popular name for girls, with Isla moving up to third place.

Nearly 700,000 babies were born last year in England and Wales.