Keira Knightley most picked celebrity name for kids

Researchers have revealed the celebrity names that parents most often pick for their children.

Unsurprising favourites uncovered in the study included Kylie - the top musical choice for girls - with 7,261 new namesakes, Britney with 1,611 and Keanu's 1,120. Topping the list overall for females was Keira, brought to favour by actress Knightley.

Others dug out from the trawl through birth records since 1984 are more quirky - with two Supermans, six Gandalfs and two Reeboks.

The research was carried out by family history website findmypast.com by looking through the National Archives it holds as online records.

Top ten for girls:
Keira - 8,716
Kylie - 7,261
Shakira - 2,614
Britney - 1,611
Peaches - 472
Madonna - 288
Beyonce - 265
Dido - 48
Catherine Zeta - 4
Apple - 2

Boys:
Tiger - 1,191
Keanu - 1,120
Dre - 426
Gazza - 39
Brooklyn - 28
Tupac - 27 Jay-Z - 7
Gandalf - 6
Snoop - 3
David Beckham - 3
Superman - 2