Call it the “Britney effect”.

Jayden - the name of Britney Spears’ youngest son - was the most popular boy’s name in New York city last year. And baby experts credit her with propelling the moniker to the top of the charts.

“Her choice of that name definitely catapulted it from one of many similar names to the top of the pack,” said Pamela Redmond Satran, co-author of the Baby Name Bible.

Sophia was the most popular name for girls in 2008, according to city health department statistics released yesterday.

Britney named her three-year-old son with ex-husband Kevin Federline, Jayden James.

The previous year’s top names were Isabella for girls and Daniel for boys.

Other popular celeb inspired names included Angelina, Keira, Mariah and Rihanna.

Across the United States Jacob and Emma were the most common names followed by Michael and Isabella.