Emily's on top of the world

Emily has toppled Chloe as the most popular girl's name in England and Wales.
Ellie was second, just ahead of Chloe, which had reigned supreme for seven years.

Emily is now the most popular name in the English- speaking world, having been America's favourite for girls since 1996.

Jack remained the top choice for boys in 2003 for the ninth year running, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics yesterday.

The biblical names Joshua, Thomas, James and Daniel remained popular for boys as did Jessica, Sophie and Megan for girls.

Many parents appear to have turned to the TV in the search for names for their newborn children.

The boy's name Alfie rose 31 places to number 18, inspired perhaps by the arrival in the BBC soap EastEnders of Alfie Moon, the cheeky pub landlord played by Shane Richie.

The fastest- rising girl's name was Poppy - the name of TV chef Jamie Oliver's elder daughter - which jumped 20 places to number 43. Daisy - the name of Oliver's second daughter, who was born last April - was up 11 places at 31. The more unusual girls' names which are growing in popularity include Tia (at 53), Eloise (82) and Summer (84).