Stars of the Rio 2016 Olympics are inspiring parents to name their babies after them
Google searches for the names of gold medal winners have spiked since the start of Rio earlier this month
THE Rio Olympic Games are undoubtedly inspiring nations - in more ways than just getting into sport.
It seems soon-to-be parents are considering naming their children after some of this year's champions.
Google searches for "Simone baby name" have spiked 230 percent in August since Team USA athletes swimmer Simone Manuel and gymnast Simone Biles headed to Rio, .
Biles, 19, and Manuel, 20, both captivated audiences as they secured positions on the Olympic podium.
Manuel tied in the 100-meter freestyle race, becoming the first African-American female to win gold in an individual swimming event on Thursday.
And Biles proved she is the best female gymnast in the world on the same day when she took gold in the individual all-around competition.
Biles notched up a tally of four golds and a bronze, while Manuel took home two golds and two silvers.
One Twitter user quipped: "If you're having a baby tonight, name her Simone."
Related Stories
A similar trend also shows a surge in searches for "baby name Michael" at the start of this month - presumably since US swimmer Michael Phelps made his mark in the pool.
So, could the UK be facing a new generation of Mos, Jasons, Lauras and Andys?
show searches for "baby name Mo" and "baby name Jack" have rocketed since 10,000km champion Mo Farah and diver Jack Laugher arrived in Rio.
It wouldn't be surprising to see a surge in the name Andy, after Andy Murray's winning streak at Wimbledon and the Olympics.
In the rest of the world, Ashton is another baby boy name trend - after reigning American Olympic decathlon champion Ashton Eaton who is hoping to defend his London 2012 gold medal.
Presumably these parents will be hoping their namesake's sporting prowess will rub off on them...