Jersey records lowest number of births for 80 years

Jersey recorded its lowest number of births last year since 1945, an annual statement has revealed.

The figures from the superintendent registrar Claire Follain provided insights into the key life events of Islanders as well as social and lifestyle trends including births, deaths, marriages, and civil partnerships over the 12-month period.

In 2025, 698 babies were born which was a 2.5% decrease compared to 2024, and 30% fewer than a decade ago.

On average, Follain said there were 58 births per month, 99% of which took place at Jersey General Hospital.

Of those babies born, Noah was the most popular name for boys and Pheobe was the most popular name for girls in 2025, she said.

It was also the fourth consecutive year the number of deaths occurring on the island exceeded the number of births, with the first record of this happening in 2022.

There were 884 deaths recorded, a 2% increase from 2024, with more islanders than ever choosing cremation, the statement said.

The number of marriages also saw an 8% drop, with the majority of couples choosing a civil ceremony. The statement said only 16% of marriages were religious ceremonies.

It said the most popular venue was the office of the Superintendent Registrar.

Follain said the annual statement provided "statistical patterns" in relation to births and deaths.

She said: "These numbers provide us with not just a factual record, but an interesting insight into Islanders' lives and their lifestyle choices, giving us an indication of how our community is changing and evolving as the years progress."

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