THOMAS and Ella have topped the list for most popular baby names in Cairns while traditional names are making a comeback statewide.

According to the Queensland Department of Births, Deaths and Marriages, Cairns parents opted for Thomas, George and Liam in 2012 and Ella, Ava and Sophie for girls names.

Mother-of-two Anna Philippa chose to name her first daughter Ella, meaning "bright light", in February last year after consulting a baby naming book.

"It took us forever to find a name for her; we were adamant we were having a boy," the Bentley Park resident said.

"We were stuck for names ... We went through name books and because I work in a childcare centre you come across a lot of names.

"We wanted something that would go with our last name Philippa and with my son's name Isaac."

Across Queensland, Jack toppled Cooper after a three-year reign as the most popular boys' name registered.

And Ruby returned as the state's number one name after Sophie overtook her in 2011.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Jarrod Bleijie said generational names were often carried on through the decades.

"Naming a child is one of the most important things a parent has to do," Mr Bleijie said.

"It can at times be challenging to find the right name for a child; a dilemma the young royals will no doubt be going through over the next few months."

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