RUBY and Charlie were the favourite baby names for Gazette readers in 2008.
An analysis of hundreds of birth announcements placed in the Gazette from January through to December has revealed which choices came out on top.
The year saw more traditional names such as Sophie and Matthew pushed out of the top five by quirkier choices such as Alesha and Zachary.
Ruby was the clear winner for girls with more than ten per cent of the total.
Perhaps Colchester’s proud mums and dads were inspired by indie band The Kaiser Chiefs who released their single, Ruby, late in 2007.
The name’s popularity might also have been boosted by Welsh singer Charlotte Church, whose daughter was christened Ruby Megan earlier this year.
The favourite name on the boys list, Charlie, meaning “free man” was boys’ more traditional choice.
Heir to the throne Prince Charles shares this consistently popular name, which often features in the top ten.
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