Olivia and Ethan were the most popular names for girls and boys born in 2012, according the British Columbia Vital Statistics Agency.

Other top selections for girls were Emma, Sophia, Emily and Ava. Rounding out the top five for boys were Liam, Lucas, Mason and Logan.

The most popular names in 2011 were Liam and Emma.

Pop culture also plays an apparent role when babies are named. In 2012, there were 71 named Justin, 70 named Taylor, 35 named Khloe and 30 named Bella.

From Aarav to Zion and Aaliyah to Zoya, there were 44,270 births in B.C. in 2012, up from 43,991 in 2011.

Only names whose frequency occurs five or more times are listed.

A complete list of the baby names selected in the province in 2012 can be viewed at: www.vs.gov.bc.ca/babynames/baby2012.html

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