It's that time of year when the top baby names for the previous 12 months are revealed and we can attempt to deduce how naming trends reflect wider society.

 

Or just have a chortle at some of the more ridiculous monikers which today's poor babes have been saddled with. My heart goes out to little Muse and little Dyson. Little Thor? He can fend for himself.

However, despite a continuing fashion for the unusual, solid old traditional names currently top the charts of new names in the UK with Oliver, Jack, Harry and Charlie being most popular for boys and Amelia, Olivia and Emily for girls.

But a name is not just for a season or the duration of a fashion, it's for keeps. When our son was born he remained nameless for several weeks. Committing to one name that would have to last a lifetime just seemed like such a momentous decision. Perhaps more pertinently though my husband and I could not agree.

Having enjoyed a Greek holiday during the pregnancy he became enthused, after imbibing an ouzo or two, with the names of Greek gods and became particularly fixated with Apollo.

This campaign lasted until the birth and beyond and despite my attempts to snuff it, I found myself thwarted by greater forces.

For example, a friend had suggested "googling" the birth date and seeing which famous people were born on that date for inspiration.

Lo and behold, which actor was top of the list? Why, none other than Carl Weathers, whose most famous role was Apollo Creed in the Rocky films.

Even as we made our way up the steps of the registry office, hubby was still lobbying for Apollo as a middle name.

As I opened my mouth to reply, I was stunned into silence by the sight of a van pulling up in front of the building. . . for Apollo Blinds, as hubby whooped and punched the air.

Another late contender in the name stakes was Otis which was thrown into the mix in the sleep-deprived first days of parenthood.

I was almost taken with this one until I discovered the reason behind the choice. During his many trips up and down to the maternity ward in the lift, hubby had found himself staring at the word OTIS - the name of the elevator manufacturer - and thought it might well do.

So, what did we plump for in the end? I couldn't possibly reveal.

Needless to say, he'll likely be the only kid in class who answers to the name of a now-closed, famous Glasgow music venue.