Could these baby names set them up for the silver screen?

What’s in a name? It’s an age-old question.

Social scientists have suggested that names can create a ‘self-fulfilling prophecy’, where individuals want to live up to or even emulate the careers or lifestyle of those who share their name. So for expectant parents, picking a name for a child really does take some serious consideration.

We’ve decided to try to make that decision a little bit easier, by creating a list of the most successful actors and actresses from yesteryear up to the present day.

To help parents-to-be choose a successful name for their child, WhatAreTheOdds.co.uk, analysed publicly available data such as actors/actresses who have starred in blockbuster hits, as well as running through award winners from BAFTAs, Oscars and Golden Globe awards, amongst others. There are a variety of betting markets to take advantage of – here’s how to get bet365 free bets on the markets.

Have you chosen a name for your future superstar? Take a look at our list:

Boys:

1. Daniel
2. Adam
3. Hugh
4. Michael
5. Mark
6. Chris
7. Tom
8. Ryan
9. James
10. Ben

Girls:

1. Catherine/Katherine
2. Ellen
3. Thelma
4. Emma
5. Jodie
6. Amy
7. Jade
8. Natalie
9. Emily
10. Elizabeth/Elisabeth

Looking for the latest news?

• Liverpool v Chelsea Bet Builder
• Bournemouth v Arsenal Bet Builder
• Tasha Ghouri shortens at head of Strictly Come Dancing Markets
• John Lewis Christmas Advert – Who will perform in 2024?
• Aaron Rodgers Hail Mary as New York Jets feated by Buffalo
• Scotland v Portugal – Steve Clarkes side set to struggle
• Thomas Tuchel now favourite to take England Manager role
• Chris McCausland moves into favourite after Strictly weekend
• Strictly Come Dancing Odds – Paul Merson next for elimination?
• Is Phillip Scofield joining I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here?

In regard to the males, names like Chris and Mark are shared by several Blockbuster actors such as everyone’s favourite superheroes Chris Pratt, Chris Pine, Chris Evans and Chris Hemsworth. As for the Marks, there’s another superhero in Mark Ruffalo, action star Mark Wahlberg and Jedi Master Mark Hamill.

For the females, notable Emmas include young wizard Watson, Emma Thompson, and Stone.

With the most notable variation of top name being Katharine Hepburn who won four Oscars, two BAFTA awards, one Emmy award and was nominated for 12 Oscars, five BAFTAs, eight Golden Globes, one Grammy, six Emmys and two Tony awards.

Spencer James, founder of WhatAreTheOdds.co.uk, said,

“Getting into acting and being successful in the Arts is a massive achievement and a worthy career. It’s not just about the money if you make it to the big time however, story-telling through the medium of film or TV can be inspiring and comforting to millions of people around the world.

“We created this list as a nod to 2020’s award season but really as a parent, if you could give your child the opportunity to make a difference to others, as well as the potential for them to earn a lot of money, you’d definitely consider it! I’m not surprised that mums and dads might look to film stars for inspiration when naming their children, media can play such a big part in our lives that there’s no wonder people would tap into it.

“Who knows why there’s such a common theme with certain names, but the data does show that people with these names seem to enjoy a great deal of success! There seems to be a lot more to a name than we initially thought, and if it can give people a head start, it might be something worth considering for expectant parents.”