2007's top ten baby names for girls brings no great surprises, although some names may make way for newer top ten choices next time round.
Emily retains her number one ranking yet again.
Samantha drops out of the top ten and finds herself ranked 12th. Elizabeth rejoins the top ten group.
Three names improved their rankings - Isabella, Ava, and Sophia.
Olivia stays still at number seven.
Emma, Madison, Abigail and Hannah drop ranking slightly.
The top ten baby names for girls
1. Emily Twelve years at the top now for Emily, and she could well hold onto her lead next time around - unless Isabella catches up with her. Emily and Isabella are still relatively far ahead of the competition, so these two look as though they only have each other to worry about for next year's number one.
2. Isabella Last year showed Isabella to be a name to watch - and she's done well yet again this year. Up two places in 2006 to fourth place, and jumping another two this year to second, Isabella has a slight chance of making it to number one for the 2008 rankings.
3. Emma This was Emma's chance to take Emily's crown - but instead, she's dropped one place from last year's second spot. She may decide to stay where she is next year, unless Ava decides otherwise!
4. Ava From 25th place in 2004 to 9th place in 2005, and 5th last year, Ava's star is still shining. She'll have to work hard to grab a first or second ranking within the top ten baby names elite, but a third place looks entirely possible.
5. Madison Madison entered the top 1000 baby names list in 1985, and has made incredible progress. Her highest ranking was number 2 in 2001 and 2002. She looked to be heading for another top three ranking this year, but drops two places instead.
6. Sophia Another energetic mover, Sophia was a new entry into the top ten last year, ranking ninth. Her name enjoyed some popularity in the 1880s, then made a slow comeback in the 1980s, slowly making her way up the baby name charts and entering the top 100 baby names group in 1997. Having gone up three places, she's chasing Ava for a place in the top three - a tough goal, with Emily and Isabella still so robustly popular.
7. Olivia Olivia holds onto seventh place for the second year in a row. At number 4 in 2004, she may not reach number one - but Olivia is quite happy to have held on to her top ten baby names status.
8. Abigail Abigail appeared in the top 1000 lists in the late 1800s, but then disappeared for a while. She's been making her way up the rankings since the 1960s, entering the top 100 in 1989. In the top ten since 2001, and with a high point of 4th rank in 2005, Abigail may hold on to another top ten spot next year.
9. Hannah At number 2 in 2000 Hannah's slowly moving down the popular names lists. She could be lucky to stay within the top ten next time round, although she may be reluctant to leave, having made her home here since 1995.
10. Elizabeth Elizabeth dropped out of the top ten in 2005, but has decided she'd like to join her pals here once more! A super-popular name since 1880, Elizabeth feels quite at home in this elite group, and is quite happy to come and go as she pleases :) Her worst ranking? Number 26 in 1945!
