2023

Hollywood stars Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn influenced the names of Scottish babies in decades gone by, according to new analysis by National Records of Scotland.

For the first time statisticians have looked back through all the names used since 1935 and charted the top 100 names in each year. 

NRS Statistician Maria Kaye-Bardgett said: 

“Over time we see an increase in the variety of names being used, with stars from the silver screen having an impact. 

“For example, Marilyn rose to popularity in 1946 and peaked in 1953 when Monroe starred in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and How to Marry a Millionaire. 

“The name Audrey appeared to get a boost from Audrey Hepburn’s career, rising to reach a peak of 36th  in 1963 before dropping out of the top hundred in 1976.

“This shows pop culture was already influential 70 years ago and continues to have an impact on what parents decide to name their children today.”  

Another key finding from this report is the relative stability among boys names.

A dozen names have stayed in the top 100 for babies born in Scotland over the last 88 years and all of them are for boys.

These names are Adam, Alexander, Daniel, David, James, Joseph, Matthew, Michael, Robert, Samuel, Thomas, William.

Maria Kaye-Bardgett commented: 

“These twelve names are long-term favourites that have stood the test of time, interestingly none of them are for girls. 

“The only girls name that came close to this sustained popularity was Elizabeth which was in the top 100 every year except 2018 and 2021, perhaps reflecting the long reign of Elizabeth II.” 

Many parents seem to choose comeback names, something which was popular in decades gone by. Names like Louis, Finlay and Emily are all popular again having fallen out of the top 100 in previous decades.

Maria Kaye-Bardgett added: 

“One name which has bounced back recently is Flora which returned to the top 100 after a 78 year absence. It was previously in the top 100 from 1935 to 1943. It’s return could be a result of the renewed interest in the Jacobite era with the hugely successful Outlander TV series including the character Flora Macdonald, famous in history for having helped Bonnie Prince Charlie escape after defeat at Culloden.” 

The latest statistics also found some one-offs; names that made it into the top 100 for one year only.

This category included the name Jan for boys in 1946. The vast majority of baby boys called Jan had a father who was in the Polish military. 

Up to 200,000 Polish soldiers, sailors and airmen trained in Scotland between 1940 and 1947. Many Polish people were interned, imprisoned or conscripted during the war but thousands escaped and were sent to Scotland to train

Another one-off was Kylie in 1988, when there were 104 baby girls given the name in the year Kyle Minogue left Neighbours to launch her music career. 

You can track the popularity of names in Scotland here.

Background

NRS Statistician Maria Kaye-Bardgett is available for broadcast interview today. To arrange an interview please contact the NRS Communications team at the email address below.  

The report Historic baby names 1935 to 1973 is available online along with the data. 

This data is given at national level and not broken down to local authority areas. 

The interactive chart has data for all names from 1974 and the top 100 names from 1935. 

Media enquiries should be directed to:
Donna Green
NRS Communications
Tel: 07775 027 380
Email: [email protected]  

Further information about the statistics is available from:
NRS Customer Services
Email: [email protected]  

The mortality rate for May 2023 was similar to the five year average for this time of year despite the number of deaths being 5% above average, according to provisional data from the National Records of Scotland. 

The age-standardised mortality rate (ASMR) was 1,053 deaths per hundred thousand people, 1% below the average although this difference is not considered statistically significant. The ASMR measure takes into account the size and age-structure of the population. 

The number of deaths was 4,990 which was 5% higher than the average for the month of May over the last five years. This measure does not take into account how the population has grown larger and older over the years.

Vital Events Statistician with NRS, Daniel Burns, said: 

“Mortality was close to average levels in May, after being above average in March and April. The rate of mortality has generally been above average in the past twelve months.”

“Our data shows that ischaemic heart disease was the most common cause of death in May, accounting for 11% of all deaths. It was the most common cause of death for men, although for women the most common cause was Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia”.

The full report Monthly Mortality Analysis, Scotland, May 2023 can be found on the NRS website.

These figures are provisional and are subject to change.

Background

The Monthly Mortality report provides headline figures every month, with much more information available in our downloadable datasets. These datasets all have interactive charts built in, to aid users in exploring the latest trends.

The data in this report is based on the date a death occurred - other analysis can be based on the date a death was registered.

The five year average does not include 2020 due to the unusual pattern of deaths in the first year of the pandemic. An explanation for this methodology agreed with statistics bodies across the UK is available on our website. 

Media enquiries should be directed to:
Donna Green
NRS Communications
Tel: 07775 027 380
Email: [email protected] 

Further information about the statistics is available from:
NRS Customer Services
Email: [email protected] 

There are only 10 days left to see the historic Declaration of Arbroath on display at the National Museum of Scotland, in a rare opportunity for members of the public to see this famous document for themselves.

National Records of Scotland (NRS), which preserves the 703-year-old letter as part of the national archives, says its age means it can only be displayed for short periods of time. The current display is the first in 18 years.

The Declaration is a letter to the Pope sent in 1320 from the barons of the Kingdom of Scotland seeking his recognition of Robert the Bruce as the country’s lawful king.

NRS Head of Medieval & Early Modern Records Dr Alan Borthwick said:

“The Declaration of Arbroath is a remarkable relic of medieval Scotland, preserved in National Records of Scotland collections.

“We are very fortunate that it has survived for over seven centuries while so many records of its era have been lost or destroyed.

“The Declaration is written on sheepskin, which becomes fragile over time. Chances to display it are limited and this is a wonderful opportunity for people to see this fascinating document before it’s brought back to the NRS archives for safekeeping.”

The Declaration of Arbroath is on display and free to view at the National Museum of Scotland until 2 July.

In 2022, there were an estimated 2.55 million households, 15% more than 20 years ago, according to figures published today by National Records of Scotland (NRS). 

The number of households in 2021 and 2022 increased by around 21,000 each year, the highest figures since 2008.

Every council area saw the number of households increase over the last twenty years. The highest percentage increases were in Orkney Islands (28%), East Lothian (27%), and Midlothian (26%). The lowest percentage increases were in Inverclyde (4%), Dundee City (7%), and West Dunbartonshire (7%).

Of the 2.70 million dwellings in Scotland in 2022, 90,700 (3%) were empty. 

A total of 24,300 (1%) dwellings were second homes. Remote rural areas generally have higher proportions of empty and second homes than urban areas.

Sandy Taylor, Head of Household Statistics said:

“These latest statistics show a continuation of the trends in the number and type of households that we have seen over the last twenty years.

“The growth in the number of households is partly due to an increase in the population but it is also because people are increasingly living alone or with fewer other people.

“The average household size in Scotland decreased from 2.25 people per household in 2002 to 2.18 in 2012, and then to 2.11 in 2022.”
 
Background

These figures are based on a National Statistics publication released today by National Records of Scotland (NRS):

‘Estimates of Households and Dwellings in Scotland 2022’ 

The household and dwelling statistics are mainly used for informing decisions about housing need and service provision.

A ‘dwelling’ refers to the accommodation itself, for example, a house or a flat. A ‘household’ refers to the people living together in that dwelling. The number of households will be smaller than the number of dwellings, as some dwellings are vacant or second homes.

In 2013, the Scottish Government introduced legislation which allows councils to increase the Council Tax charges on certain long-term empty properties. It also made slight changes to the definitions of such properties and second homes. The aim of the legislation is to encourage empty home owners to bring their properties back into use. More information on this, and other empty homes initiatives, can be found on the Scottish Government website at: http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Built-Environment/Housing/supply-demand/emptyhomes

Further statistics produced by NRS, and information about our statistics, can be accessed at: http://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/statistics-and-data

Media enquiries should be directed to:  
Donna Green – 07775-027-380
NRS Communications
Email: [email protected] 

Further information about the statistics is available from:
NRS Customer Services
Email: [email protected] 
 

Scotland’s death rate was six per cent higher than the five year average for the first quarter of 2023, according to new analysis by the National Records of Scotland. 

The age-standardised mortality rate for January to March this year was 1,359 per 100,000 population. This rate takes into account the growing and ageing population and is therefore the best indicator of the direction of the mortality trend. 

At 18,522 the number of deaths in 2023 quarter one was 12.5 per cent higher than the quarter one average of 16,468. This figure does not take into account the growing and ageing population. 

Julie Ramsay, Head of Demographic Statistics at National Records of Scotland, said: 

“There were increases across a range of different causes of death.

“Deaths from respiratory diseases were almost 23% higher than the five year average. Within this group, flu accounted for more than a third of the excess deaths. Deaths from cancer were 6.4% higher and those from coronary heart disease and dementias were both around 12% higher.”

Coronavirus (COVID-19) was the underlying cause of 546 deaths during quarter one and there were no deaths where the underlying cause was adverse effects of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Meanwhile the number of births fell six per cent compared to the five year average. There were 11,655 births registered in Scotland between 1 January and 31 March 2023. Marriages have returned to pre-pandemic levels. There were 3,073 marriages in quarter 1 of 2023. This was 0.4% higher than the recent average. 

The report and the associated data is available on the NRS website.

Background

Comparisons are usually made by comparing the current year to the average of the previous five years.  For 2023, standard practice would be to compare against the 2018-2022 average.  However, as the 2020 figures were severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic – marriages were much lower than usual, deaths were higher, and registration of births was delayed – comparing 2023 figure to the 2018-2022 average would not give a true reflection of how the latest quarter’s figures compare to the average.  Comparisons have therefore been made against the average of the five years 2017-2019 plus 2021-2022.

Since 2015 Q1 Scotland has been in a period of negative natural change (more deaths than births). For the latest four quarter period (2022 Q2 to 2023 Q1) there were 46,488 births and 65,284 deaths, a shortfall of 18,796 births compared to deaths. 

Media enquiries should be directed to:
Donna Green
NRS Communications
Tel: 07775-027-380
Email: [email protected]  

Further information about the statistics is available from:
NRS Customer Services
Email: [email protected] 
 

The Declaration of Arbroath goes on display at the National Museum of Scotland tomorrow (Saturday 3 June) for the first time in 18 years.

As custodians of the Declaration of Arbroath, National Records of Scotland has worked in partnership with National Museums Scotland on the display.  The famous document will be on show until July 2023.

It was last displayed 18 years ago at the Scottish Parliament. The iconic and fragile 700-year-old document, which is cared for and preserved for future generations by NRS conservation experts, can only be displayed occasionally in order to ensure its long-term preservation.

The Declaration of Arbroath is a letter dated 6 April 1320, written by the barons and freeholders of Scotland, on behalf of the Kingdom of Scotland, to Pope John XXII asking him to recognise Scotland's independence and acknowledge Robert the Bruce as the country's lawful king.

The Declaration was probably drafted at a meeting of the King and his council at Newbattle, then written up in the scriptorium of Arbroath Abbey. Written in Latin, it was sealed by eight earls and about 40 barons. It was authenticated by seals, as documents at that time were not signed. Only 19 seals now remain.

Dr Alan Borthwick, Head of Medieval and Early Modern Records, National Records of Scotland, said:

“The Declaration of Arbroath is one of the most significant documents we have in our collections. At National Records of Scotland we are hugely proud of the role we play in conserving it to ensure it is still here for future generations to see and study. We hope people from Scotland and beyond will take this rare opportunity to see it for themselves.”

Alice Blackwell, Senior Curator of Medieval Archaeology and History at National Museums Scotland said,

“It is great to be able to display the Declaration of Arbroath  at the National Museum of Scotland, the home of our nation’s material history and the country’s most visited attraction. We look forward to welcoming many visitors to enjoy the rare opportunity of seeing this hugely significant document in person.”

Culture Minister Christina McKelvie said:

“The Declaration of Arbroath is of great historic and cultural interest to people living in Scotland as well as the sizeable Scottish diaspora around the world. I hope people from across the country, and further afield, will take this rare opportunity to visit our wonderful national museum to view this iconic document which has played such an important part in the history of our country.”

Background

The Declaration was due to be displayed in April 2020 to coincide with its 700^th anniversary, but this was postponed due to the pandemic.

The Declaration was written during the long Wars of Independence with England when, despite the Scots’ success at the Battle of Bannockburn, Robert I had not been recognised as king by either Edward II or by the Pope, and had been excommunicated by the latter. At this time, the Pope desired peace between England and Scotland, so both could help in a crusade to the Holy Land. The Declaration sought to influence him by offering the possibility of support from the Scots for his long-desired crusade if they no longer had to fear English invasion. 

After receiving the Declaration, the Pope urged reconciliation between the warring sides and a truce was agreed in 1323.  A peace treaty was signed between England and Scotland in March 1328 and the following year the Pope issued a papal bull permitting the anointing and crowning of a King of Scots.  The peace was short-lived, however, as the Second War of Independence broke out in 1332 and went on for 25 years.

The mortality rate for April 2023 was 3% higher than the five year average for this time of year, according to provisional data from National Records of Scotland. 

The age-standardised mortality rate was 1,123 deaths per hundred thousand people. This takes into account the size and age-structure of the population. 

The number of deaths was 5,135, which was 9% higher than the average for the month of April over the last five years. This measure does not take into account how the population has grown larger and older over the years.

Head of Demographic Statistics with NRS, Julie Ramsay, said: 

“Mortality was close to average levels in February, but rose above average again in March and April. The rate of mortality has generally been above average in the past twelve months”

“Our data shows that ischaemic heart disease was the most common cause of death in April, accounting for 11% of all deaths. It was the most common cause of death for men, although for women the most common cause was Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia”. 

The full report Monthly Mortality Analysis, Scotland, April 2023 can be found on the NRS website.

These figures are provisional and are subject to change.

Background

The Monthly Mortality report provides headline figures every month, with much more information available in our downloadable datasets. These datasets all have interactive charts built in, to aid users in exploring the latest trends.

The data in this report is based on the date a death occurred - other analysis can be based on the date a death was registered.

The five year average does not include 2020 due to the unusual pattern of deaths in the first year of the pandemic. An explanation for this methodology agreed with statistics bodies across the UK is available on our website. 

Media enquiries should be directed to:
Donna Green
NRS Communications
Tel: 07775 027 380
Email: [email protected] 

Further information about the statistics is available from:
NRS Customer Services
Email: [email protected] 
 

A trio convicted of snatching corpses from a Midlothian graveyard are among the thousands of prisoners whose records can now be searched on the ScotlandsPeople website. 

Searchable indexes to the registers of Edinburgh’s Bridewell and Calton Prisons and Largs Prison in North Ayrshire have now been added to Scotland's official genealogy website. 

The new records collectively cover a period of over 50 years from 1798 to 1853 with Bridewell the largest spanning 40 years and 40,000 entries. 

Among the records are a group accused of digging up the corpses of two adults and a young child from Lasswade Kirkyard south of Edinburgh in 1829. 

One of the three men found guilty of "violating the sepulchres of the dead", John Kerr, was made an example of and sentenced to ninth months hard labour. Two of his fellow "resurrection men" served six months but others involved in the crime were not prosecuted.

Archivist Stefanie Dempster from National Records of Scotland which runs the ScotlandsPeople website said: 

"These remarkable records are a fantastic resource for social researchers and those researching their own family tree. 

"Alongside many petty thefts and incidents of drunken behaviour, we see crimes that were of their time, like snatching corpses from graveyards to sell to surgeons teaching anatomy.

"The harsh lives lived by many are clear from cases like that of a woman who had requested the magistrate send her to prison with the records stating the reason 'being lame'. 

"These records offer a glimpse at the grittier side of life in early 19th century Scotland."

There are features on the prisons and some of the inmates on the ScotlandsPeople website news and features page. 

It's just four weeks to go until the Declaration of Arbroath – the most famous document in National Records of Scotland collections - makes its first public appearance in 18 years.

The Declaration will be displayed from 3 June – 2 July  2023 at the National Museum of Scotland.

The Declaration of Arbroath is a letter to the Pope sent in 1320 from the barons of the Kingdom of Scotland seeking his recognition of Robert the Bruce as the country's lawful king. 

National Records of Scotland preserves the document as part of the national collections.  

Head of Conservation Linda Ramsay said: 

"The Declaration of Arbroath is over seven hundred years old, so it is not only precious and historic but very fragile. 

"The National Records of Scotland Conservation team care for the Declaration and we are working with archivists ahead of this rare opportunity for the public to see it for themselves, to ensure its preservation for future generations."

NRS Head of Medieval & Early Modern Records Dr Alan Borthwick said:

"The Declaration of Arbroath is a key document from the formative period of the Kingdom of Scotland. 

"The parchment itself is highly impressive but it’s the stirring language and evocative sentiments contained in the text that have given the Declaration of Arbroath its special distinction, in Scotland and around the world." 

Alice Blackwell, Senior Curator of Medieval Archaeology and History at National Museums Scotland said:

"We are delighted to have the opportunity to display the Declaration of Arbroath here at the National Museum of Scotland. It is a hugely significant document and a vital piece of Scotland’s history. We look forward to welcoming many visitors to enjoy the rare opportunity of seeing this iconic document close up."

The mortality rate for March 2023 was 4% higher than the five year average for this time of year, according to new analysis from the National Records of Scotland. 

The age-standardised mortality rate was 1,199 deaths per hundred thousand people. This takes into account the size and age-structure of the population. 

The number of deaths was 5,646 which was 10% higher than the average for the month of March over the last five years. This measure does not take into account how the population has grown larger and older over the years.

Vital Events Statistician with NRS, Julie Ramsay, said: 

“Deaths increased to higher than average levels during March after being at relatively normal levels during February.

Our data shows that ischaemic heart disease was found to be the most common cause of all deaths in March. It was also the most common cause of death for men, however for women the most common cause was Alzheimer’s Disease or other types of dementia”. 

The full report Monthly Mortality Analysis, Scotland, March 2023 can be found on the NRS website.

Background

The Monthly Mortality report provides headline figures every month, with much more information available in our downloadable datasets. These datasets all have interactive charts built in, to aid users in exploring the latest trends.

The data in this report is based on the date a death occurred, other analysis can be based on the date a death was registered.

The five year average does not include 2020 due to the unusual pattern of deaths in the first year of the pandemic. An explanation for this methodology agreed with statistics bodies across the UK is available on our website. 

Media enquiries should be directed to:
Donna Green
NRS Communications
Tel: 07775 027 380
Email: [email protected]

Further information about the statistics is available from:
NRS Customer Services
Email: [email protected]