Social networks Bebo and MySpace were the most searched-for terms of 2006, according to search giant Google.

The two competing sites allow people with common interests to seek dates, friendship and professional relationships.

The third most popular search term on Google was the football World Cup, followed by Metacafe in fourth and Radioblog in fifth.

Other terms that made the top 10 included Wikipedia, Mininova and video.

Socialite Paris Hilton was the most searched for item on Google News, with Orlando Bloom second and cancer third.

The top wedding search of 2006 was Nicole Kidman's marriage to singer Keith Urban, while Tom Cruise's nuptials with Katie Holmes came second.

Google, the world's most popular search engine, receives about 50 per cent of all web searches, according to tracking firm Nielsen Media Research.

Yahoo is second with nearly 23 per cent share, followed by MSN (10.7 per cent) and AOL (6.6 per cent).

GOOGLE'S TOP 10 of 2006
1. Bebo
2. MySpace
3. World Cup
4. Metacafe
5. Radioblog
6. Wikipedia
7. Video
8. Rebelde
9. Mininova
10. Wiki