There are always several names that are popular at any given time.

In 2017 names such as Olivia and Liam were at the top of the list  while Emma, Ava, Isabella, Noah, Aiden and Lucas also ranked well.

There has been a slight shuffle on the list for 2018 with Liam still in the number one position while Olivia has dropped to second place and Emma has moved from second to first place.

Ava, Isabella and Noah are still ranked in the top four but Aiden and Lucas has dropped and been replaced by Oliver and Logan in third and fourth position respectively.

However, it is still early days in 2018 and with the birth of a new royal prince - Louis Arthur Charles - there is every chance that the position at the top of the boy names could change. 

Then there are the more unusual names – often chosen in celebrity circles – such as Apple (Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin) or Blue Ivy (Beyonce and Jay-Z) to name a few.

Choosing the name of a child takes a lot of careful thought – will it suit when the namesake is a child and an adult, is it a strong name and the big question that should always be asked – does it go well with the surname?

For anyone who has watched any television of late there is a rather funny advertisement regarding the suitability of a name choice and the response to the name years down the track.

In the case of the advertisement the newborn’s surname is Murray and the parent’s first name choice is Callum – that’s right Callum Murray. 

That is an advertisement that provides a good laugh – it is funny largely because it has a connection with reality.

Let’s face it there are many surnames that need careful consideration when choosing a first name.

For example if your surname is Cann then surely first names such as Danny or Rhys are not an option – unless you are happy for a lifetime of being called Grease Cann or Dunny Cann.

Do you have an unusual name or name combination, or do you know someone who does?

For those who are having a child is Louis, Arthur or Charles a consideration?