Jack, which is the most popular boys' name throughout the UK, is in second place in Northern Ireland, having moved up from fourth position since last year and 1998.

It displaced Ryan which had been in second place during these years and which now drops to third position.

Megan moved from fifth to third during these years having moved from 10th position the previous year.

In fourth slot for both 1999 and 2000 is Caitlin. It had been in 11th position in 1998 having risen from 21st in 1997.

Two of the top 10 boy's names (James and Michael) in 1975 were still in the top 10 in 2000, while none of the top 10 girl's names

Over the past few years the number of distinct girl's names has been approximately 1,500 annually while the number of distinct boy's names has been approximately 950 annually.