The name Jude has seen a significant surge in popularity in England and Wales, with a 107% increase in boys given the name over the last decade. This rise is attributed in large part to the burgeoning career of England football star Jude Bellingham, who has become a prominent figure for the national team.
Bellingham, who made his professional debut at 16, has rapidly ascended to international stardom. His performances at major tournaments, including the recent World Cup and European Championships, have captured public attention. His journey from Birmingham City to Real Madrid has been highlighted as an inspirational factor for parents choosing names.
Last year, 2,153 boys were named Jude, a figure that more than doubled from a decade prior. The name ranked 14th on the list of popular boys' names, climbing 47 places over ten years, with its peak popularity recorded in 2024. This surge aligns with Bellingham's increasing prominence in the football world.
Beyond his athletic achievements, the enduring popularity of the song 'Hey Jude' by The Beatles may also contribute to the name's recognition and appeal. England supporters have frequently sung the song to serenade Bellingham during matches.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) data shows that Muhammad was the most popular boy's name in 2025, a position it has held for three consecutive years. For girls, Olivia remained the most popular name for the fourth year running. Other notable shifts include Luca, which rose 49 places in the last decade to rank fourth among boys' names, while Oliver saw the largest drop.
Historically, the ONS notes that baby names now draw from a broader range of origins than in previous decades, reflecting a more diverse linguistic landscape. While royal names like George and William continue to feature in the top rankings, their popularity has generally declined. Names such as Meghan, which saw a temporary boost after a royal engagement, have seen a sharp decrease.
Bellingham's career milestones include becoming Birmingham City's youngest-ever player and goalscorer at 16, retiring his jersey number at the club, and moving to Borussia Dortmund for an initial £25 million. Over three seasons with the German club, he made 132 appearances, won the German Cup, and was named Bundesliga Player of the Season. His subsequent transfer to Real Madrid for £88.5 million at age 19 led to a debut season where he was the club's top league scorer, winning La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, along with the La Liga Player of the Season award.
Internationally, Bellingham became England's youngest-ever player at a major tournament at Euro 2020. He was also the first person born in the 21st century to score in a World Cup and is England's second-youngest World Cup scorer. As of the current tournament, he remains a key player for England, with potential further influence on naming trends if the team achieves success.