New data from National Savings and Investments (NS&I) has unveiled the most common names held by holders of its popular Premium Bonds who win prizes of £500 or more. The analysis provides a fascinating, if entirely random, snapshot of the nation's savers.
The Most Common Winners' Names
According to the savings provider, holders named David, John, Michael, and Susan are most frequently among those landing the larger cash prizes. The top 10 is dominated by traditional British names, reflecting the demographic of long-term bond holders.
David leads the pack with 18,220 recorded wins for prizes over £500, followed closely by John with 16,058. Michael (11,772) and Susan (11,597) complete the top four. The full list of 100 names, released by NS&I, includes:
- David – 18,220 wins
- John – 16,058 wins
- Michael – 11,772 wins
- Susan – 11,597 wins
- Peter – 9,683 wins
- Paul – 9,203 wins
- Andrew – 8,572 wins
- Robert – 8,510 wins
- Stephen – 7,768 wins
- Margaret – 7,503 wins
The list continues through names like Richard, James, Christopher, Elizabeth, and Patricia, down to Shirley in 100th place with 1,623 recorded wins for higher-value prizes.
A Random Draw, Regardless of Name
NS&I was quick to emphasise that the Premium Bonds prize draw is a game of pure chance. Andrew Westhead, NS&I Retail Director, stated: "Premium Bonds are one of the nation's favourite savings products, and since 1957 we've given away hundreds of millions of prizes, so it's interesting to see the most common names of some of our winners."
He added a crucial reminder for all 22 million bond holders: "But it's important to remember that whatever your name, the Premium Bonds draw is completely random, with each Bond having an equal chance of winning." The prevalence of certain names simply reflects their commonality among the UK population, particularly with older savers who have held bonds for decades.
December's Millionaire Winners
The release of the name data coincides with the announcement of December's two jackpot winners. Two Premium Bonds holders from Norwich and Cornwall have each won a life-changing, tax-free £1 million prize, providing an early Christmas present they will never forget.
This month, NS&I is distributing over six million prizes collectively worth more than £403 million to bond holders across the country. The prizes range from the coveted £1 million jackpots down to £25 rewards.
The analysis offers a quirky insight into the holders of the UK's beloved savings product, but ultimately reinforces that luck, not your moniker, determines the outcome of each monthly ERNIE draw.
