Punters take bets on royal baby being called Olivia after Oscar winner

Olivia has jumped in favour at the bookmakers as a potential name for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s royal baby following Olivia Colman’s Oscar win.

Ladbrokes reported odds on the name have shortened from 66/1 to 33/1 overnight.

British star Colman won the best actress accolade for her portrayal of Queen Anne in The Favourite.

Jessica Bridge, of Ladbrokes, said: “Bizarrely, but perhaps interestingly, Olivia has been a very popular pick since last night and Oliva Colman’s Oscars win.”

But Victoria and Diana remain the favourites for a girl at 8/1 and 10/1.

Ms Bridge added: “Royal fans are convinced Meghan and Harry will welcome a little girl into world and Diana will feature in her name somewhere.”

The duke and duchess, who have been on a three-day whirlwind trip to Morocco, are preparing to welcome their baby in late April or early May.

Top names for a boy are Albert or Philip, both at 12/1, or Arthur at 16/1.

Olivia has been the most popular girls’ name in England and Wales since 2016.

A feminine version of Oliver – the most popular boys’ name in England and Wales, it is Latin in origin and means “olive tree”.

In 2017, 5,204 baby girls in England and Wales were given the name Olivia, up from 5,017 in 2016.