They are now known: the most given first names in 2021 in Belgium are Olivia (for girls) and Noah (for boys). But depending on the Regions, trends and fashions change. While Emma and Gabriel take first place in Wallonia, the first names Lina and Mohamed come first in Brussels, according to data published by Statbel on Wednesday.
In 2020, it was Sofia who had the most success with girls, and Nour in 2019. For the past two years, Lina has been positioned in second position. On the other steps of the women’s podium of 2021, after Lina, we therefore find Sofia, Nour, Emma and then Olivia.
This is the second year that Mohamed has occupied the first male place in Brussels. In 2019, it was the first name Adam who, to within one unit, took the top of the podium. For the previous year, after Mohamed, then follow Adam, Amir, Yanis and Gabriel.
By municipality
Averages are still averages. While trends vary by region, they vary even more by municipality. Statbel delivered this Wednesday the details by entity of the most popular first names between 2012 and 2021.
Among boys, Mohamed was the first name most given to newborns during the previous decade in Forest, Molenbeek, Saint-Gilles, Saint-Josse and Schaerbeek. Adam is champion in the municipalities of Anderlecht, Berchem, Brussels-City, Etterbeek, Evere, Ganshoren, Jette and Koekelberg. In the municipalities of the south and west, as well as in Ixelles, the first name Gabriel has been the most popular over the past nine years. And in Auderghem, the parents most often opted for Arthur.
For girls, Lina was the most popular name in the communes of Anderlecht, Bruxelles-Villes, Forest, Ganshoren, Jette, Koekelberg, Saint-Josse and Schaerbeek between 2012 and 2021. however, broke through in one or the other municipality: Alice in first place in Auderghem and Uccle, Juliette in Watermael-Boitsfort tied with Louise and Victoria.