What’s in a name? Rose and James top middle names for NSW babies

Rose and James have topped the charts for the middle names of babies born in NSW over the past 10 years, according to new data from the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

Sydney mum Katie King passed her middle name to daughter Serena Rose. Picture: Rohan Kelly

Rose and James have topped the charts for the middle names of babies born in NSW over the past 10 years, according to new data from the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

In 2024, there were 1770 girls bestowed the middle name Rose and 2186 boys second-named James.

Rose and James have remained top choice for middle names since 2014, the data shows.

Other popular middle name choices in 2024 were Grace, Mae, May, Jane, Anne and Louise for girls, and John, William, Michael, Robert, David, Thomas and George for boys.

Fifty years ago, in 1974, James was second place to John for popularity among boys, while Louise was number one for girls- Rose ranked a lowly 32nd.

NSW Births, Deaths and Marriages Registrar Theresa Fairman said the results were proof certain names remain timeless.

“Middle names can be a way for parents to pass on traditions, express cultural connections, or simply add a unique touch to their child’s identity. For some families, it’s just as carefully considered as the first name,” Mrs Fairman said.

“Even when you compare middle names from 1974 to 2024, many of the same names appear, proving that heritage and family ties continue to play a significant role in how we name our children.”

Sydney mum Katie King passed down her middle name, Rose, to her daughter Serena, saying giving her 10-month-old the same name was a must.

“Both myself and my husband have middle names so that was always going to happen,” Mrs King said.

“It’s my middle name and we wanted to give some nod to family and tradition as my parents chose it for me. I wanted to hand it down.”