Names with Arabic, Eastern European and African origins are predicted to be one of the popular trends in 2017.

Mark McCrindle, from McCrindle social research, said more Australian parents are choosing gender neutral names, surnames as first names and names from different culture background, The Daily Telegraph reported.

Mr McCrindle said parents are moving away from overly common names like Michael and Nicole, and are more likely to chose names from a few years ago or those with unusual spellings.

More Australian parents giving their children culturally diverse or gender neutral names

Mark McCrindle, from McCrindle social research, Australian parents are moving away from overly common names names with unusual spelling, like baby 'Epponnee Rae' from the Australian sitcom Kath and Kim (Kim pictured holding baby cradle)

Mr Mcrindle said: 'It was sometimes called the 'Kath and Kim phenomena', almost the bogan naming where 'Epponnee Rae' was the name in that show of the youngster — I think that contrivance was a bit much for people.'

He also added that shift to culturally diverse names is a reflection of how globally connected Australia is today.

Arabic names such as Layla, Aisha, Ali and Muhammad, as well as African and Eastern European names like Mila, Ariana and Alexis have also featured on the list for top names in 2016, and could see a rise in 2017.

Arabic and Eastern European names are also set to trend in 2017. Mr McCrindle said the shift to culturally diverse names is a reflection of how globally connected Australia is today

Another trend that is on the rise is gender neutral names, which has grown thanks to celebrities like Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds (left), as well as Robin Lawley (right) naming her daughter Ripley

Another trend that is on the rise is gender neutral names.

'That's probably something of this particular era as well... parents not wanting to overly lock their children into a very clear gender stereotype,' Mr McCrindle said.

'You see that with toys children get or with careers and options for children,' he added.

The trend is also growing thanks celebrities such as Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, who named their first daughter James, and model Robyn Lawley naming her daughter Ripley.

Girls names predicted to be popular in 2017 include Addison, Ariana, Charlie and Billie.

Meanwhile for boys Beau, Theordore, Ali and Fletcher forecast to be at the top of choices for boys names.

However 2016s most popular girl and boy names, Charlotte and Oliver, are likely to stay on the list for the most popular names in 2017.

Predicted girl name trends for 2017 1) Addison 2) Penelope 3) Ariana 4) Frankie 5) Charlie 6) Elsie 7) Aurora 8) Billie Advertisement