Olivia and Jack were the most popular names for girls and boys last year.

Olivia and Jack were the top baby names in 2012.

According to details released today by the Department of Internal Affairs Olivia was the most popular girls' name, with Sophie in second and Emily in third.

Emily makes the top three for the first time gaining a few spots from number nine in 2011 and 2010.

Ruby, which was the top name in 2011 and fifth in 2012, continues to be popular coming in fifth place.

Jack, which was the most popular boy's name from 2005 – 2009 fell off the top three list in recent years and has made a comeback from 10th placing in 2011 to first in 2012.

Oliver continues to be popular coming in second followed by William in third place for the first time since 2008.

The names are recorded in a national register only.

The full list is available on the Department of Internal Affairs website. (http://www.dia.govt.nz/diawebsite.nsf/wpg_URL/Services-Births-Deaths-and-Marriages-Most-Popular-Male-and-Female-First-Names?OpenDocument)

Most Popular Names 2012

Top 10 Girls' Names (2011 place in brackets):

1 Olivia (2)

2 Sophie (3)

3 Emily (9)

4 Charlotte (5)

5 Ruby (1)

6 Isabella (4)

7 Ella (7)

8 Amelia (10)

9 Sophia (15)

10 Ava (12)

Top 10 Boys' Names (2011 place in brackets):

1 Jack (10)

2 Oliver (3)

3 William (5)

4 Liam (1)

5 Mason (15)

6 Samuel (7)

7 Jacob (11)

8 Lucas (4)

9 Ethan (16)

10 Noah (6)