Top baby name predictions for 2018

It's one of the first and most important jobs you do as a parent - choosing a name for your new baby.

And in 2018 - the list of those likely to be among the most popular contains some unusual choices.

While Olivia, Amelia, Harry and George will continue to be among those most chosen by families there are some more unusual monikers creeping into the mix.

The predictions, made by Mother & Baby, suggest that gender neutral names will be favoured in 2018 with names such as Alex, Max and Charlie - all three of which could be taken for a little boy or girl with less shortened versions including Maxine, Maximus, Alexander or Alexandra, Charlotte or Charles.

For the boys - names beginning with an R or Th sound are predicted to shoot in popularity with Reggie, Reuben and Theo all preparing to rise in the rankings according to the fresh list for the new year.

While for the girls, fans of Prince Harry's girlfriend and the impending royal wedding will see more children given the name Meghan - with the inclusion of the letter h just like Miss Markle.

But for those looking for a more unusual choice and a name to stand out in the crowd next year - Thiago (pronounced chee-ah-go) could make the top 10 list for the boys and Emmeline (French meaning work) could also, according to Mother & Baby, be among the choices for girls in 2018 falling just outside the top 10.

The Charlie O'Brien blog: Did we pick the wrong baby name?