Most popular football-inspired baby names revealed: From Jude to Nico

As England make it to the semi-finals of the World Cup, parents-to-be may well be caught up in both footy and baby fever – and want to pay tribute to the Lions, alongside their bundle of joy. And what better way to do that than naming your kid after goal-scoring extraordinaire, Jude Bellingham? Or after a certain captain, Harry Kane?

As it goes – and while there's no way of knowing for sure whether footballers are behind naming trends – several of the UK's most popular boys' names are already shared by stars representing England and some of the biggest names in world football, too. Meaning, you can be subtle about it (unless you name your kid Saka or Pickford).

Using the Office for National Statistics' latest baby names data for England and Wales, here's a look at the football-inspired names already proving popular with parents, plus some generally footy-feeling monikers...

Oliver: While he typically goes by Ollie Watkins, the striker's actual name is Oliver – the sixth most popular choice for boys in England and Wales.

Jude: England midfielder Jude Bellingham has become one of football's biggest stars at just 23. The name Jude has steadily climbed the rankings over the past decade and now sits comfortably inside the ONS top 100 boys' names at number 14, making it one of the clearest football-inspired choices for expectant parents.

Harry: Captain Harry Kane has been a household name for years. Harry has long been one of Britain's classic boys' names and continues to rank among the country's most popular choices, despite gradually slipping from its peak popularity. Right now, it's 20 on the list.

Theo: A nice international angle thanks to Theo Hernández, one of France's biggest stars. Although they are now sadly out of the competition, after failing to show up against Spain...

Jack: Jack Grealish may have missed out on Tuchel's World Cup squad, but he's still one of England's most recognisable footballers and keeps the name culturally relevant (it's the 24th most popular boy name rn).

Thomas: An obvious nod to England manager Thomas Tuchel, who has guided the Lions to the latter stages of the tournament. If England go all the way, don't be surprised if the name gets a fresh boost from football fans. It's already number 35.

Mason: Another former England regular in Mason Mount. Not in Tuchel's World Cup squad, but still a familiar footballing name (79 on the list).

Enzo: Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernández has made the name a familiar one for football fans worldwide. It's the 84th most popular in England and Wales, too.

Not all football-inspired names appear in the ONS top 100, but plenty of stars from England (and around the world) could provide inspiration for football-loving parents.

Declan: After England defensive midfielder Declan Rice, one of the first names on Tuchel's list.

Cole: Chelsea star Cole Palmer has become one of England's brightest attacking talents, with his coolness under pressure making him a fan favourite.

Bukayo: A unique choice inspired by Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka, one of England's most exciting players.

Reece: Inspired by Chelsea captain Reece James, another current England international.

Nico: Manchester City youngster Nico O'Reilly has enjoyed a breakthrough year, earning his first England call-up before being selected in Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad. While Nico doesn't yet feature among the UK's top 100 boys' names, England's run could put it on more parents' radar..

Erling: For parents looking for something truly distinctive, there's always Erling, after prolific Norway striker Erling Haaland, who has somehow become the nation's sweetheart thanks to his hilarious social media posts, passion for fashion and bromance with Jude Bellingham.