Parents giving birth during lockdown have changed their baby names to reflect troubling times, a poll claims.
As well as changes to the way we work, interact with people and even shop, some people think the killer virus has also had a big impact on the way we name our children.
A new survey by channelmum.com has taken a look at baby name trends during lockdown and found some of the most popular right now, the Mirror reports.
According to their research, "almost half (43%) of parents believe the coronavirus crisis will alter the way UK babies are named – and seven per cent of mums-to-be have already changed a name choice due to the pandemic."
While in 2019 Olivia and Sophie were among the most popular for girls, Florence is predicted to climb in popularity.
The results of the survey found that names such as Corah, Corina and Rona, are being ditched as families believe they sound too much like Corona.
Similarly any name choices that are close to 'virus' are also being scrapped, such as Viola.
They add: "Names linked to lockdown, such as Lockie or Lochlan are also likely to slide down the baby name charts."
Seven in 10 parents listed ‘virtue’ names as being a popular choice, with Faith, Hope, Charity, Patience and Constance predicted to come back into fashion.
Over half (54%) also said they would consider a rainbow colour name after the kids’ art trend in support of the NHS.
Popular picks include Iris, meaning Rainbow in Greek, alongside Indigo and Blue.
The poll of 1,300 parents also found that heroic names are proving popular to honour our key workers.
Top choices for these are the gender-neutral Hero, as well as Avery and Bravery.
Similarly Florence, which is currently ranked at number 15 in the baby name charts, could soon jump into the top 10 for girls as many mums have been considering it, due to its links with the Nightingale hospitals.
Other trends that emerged were for 'secure' names like Haven, as well as happy names such as Bliss, Joy, Blythe and Felicity for girls, alongside Pax and Sol for boys.
Speaking about the findings, channelmum.com's baby name expert SJ Strum said: "Baby names reflect changing times and never more so than when the world is facing a catastrophe.
"The current crisis means parents are understandably stressed and anxious, so are using new-born’s names to celebrate new life and joy.
"Positive names are a wonderful way to keep focusing on the future and means that the child knows their name has real meaning."
