Charlotte, James and Thomas have topped the charts for baby names over the past 50 years

The most popular baby names of the year have been revealed and show classic names such as Charlotte and James have maintained the top spot for more than 50 years.

Charlotte, which has topped the list for girls, has been ranked number one 15 times between 1984 and 2017, making it number one for 30 years. 

Parents might have found inspiration from the four-year-old daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge this year. 

Sarah held this position for 12 years before dropping in popularity in the 80s and securing second place. 

The list, compiled by Susan Cole who has recorded the baby names for each announcement made in the Telegraph, also saw Emily, Emma, Victoria and Sophie follow behind. 

The retired librarian, 71, has been mapping the name trends since 1969.

In her list, Florence came in seventh, while Isabella and Alice scraped in at number eight.

Margot, a lowly 12th in 2017, and Matilda which were joint top of the girls’ list, have now been knocked off and replaced with Olivia. 

 James and Charlotte have topped the list for baby names and might have been influenced by the Royals Princess Charlotte (pictured left) and fictional character James Bond (pictured right, Daniel Craig)

Meanwhile James topped the boy’s chart and has held the respectable position for the same length of King James I, consecutively from 1969 to 1991, and maintained it for a further 12 years. 

The charm of fictional characters such as James Bond or James McAvoy may have had an enduring influence.

Thomas followed in the second spot and William in third, according to the list compiled in the Telegraph.

Andrew at number four, Edward in sixth and George in eighth place show parents are following the Queen’s example.  

But despite this, the Royal legacy appears to be lacking in the girls list with no Kates, Catherines or Meghans.

Richard joined George in second to bottom of the boys list while Alexander was tenth.

Queen’s example: Both William and George (pictured, the Duke of Cambridge, Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte and Prince George in Norfolk for their annual Christmas card) were featured in the list compiled by Susan Cole who has recorded the baby names for each announcement made in the Telegraph. But surprisingly Kates and Catherines were missing from the ranks

But Simons, Richards and Christophers are rarely spotted unlike Ms Cole’s first recording.

David and Mark’s biblical origins have not managed to keep them in vogue for 21st century parents. 

Sometimes names become too widespread which leads to backlash, according to Ms Cole. 

Meanwhile Poppy’s rise came from its publicity during the centenary of the First World War.