The British are famous for their royal flair, impeccable manners, and unique accent. When you explore British baby names, you'll find that they have a distinct style, which makes them stand apart. The British naming conventions in the past were stringent. However, British parents can now pick any name that suits their child. Generally, most parents select titles based on their aesthetic appeal. However, traditional names still hold prominence. These names usually have biblical roots and are inspired by revered saints and prominent religious figures. However, many also stem from legends in history and folklore. Names of the ruling monarchs and other notable royal family members also influence British titles. Names inspired by nature, classic literature, and mythology are other choices that many British parents embrace. Often, surnames are also used as given names. Hertford, for instance, is a surname found in Hertford, a beautiful town in Hertfordshire, England. It is used as a personal name, indicating a connection to the city. When closely observed, several British names reflect French influence due to the Norman Conquest in 1066. Normans brought the language and culture to England during this period, which deeply impacted British naming traditions and practices. This influence is particularly evident in names used in aristocratic and noble families. Today, many parents opt for modern names based on their phonetic sound and ease of pronunciation. Also, several British names are inspired by popular culture, and many female names are shortened versions of traditional male names. In short, British names are a treasure trove of choices for every preference, reflecting British society's diversity and cultural heritage. Below is our roundup of the best British baby names with their meanings. From modern to traditional, we've covered everything for you. Take a look!
Name | Gender | Meaning | |
---|---|---|---|
Gudfrid | Boy | The one who loves to live life on principles to achieve success, with imaginative and creative ideas | |
Gudule | Boy | One who loves to search and find the reason for every thing | |
Gudytha | Girl | One who loves adventure, excitement, and freedom | |
Guedgen | Boy | One who loves health is wealthy, and technical | |
Guedguen | Boy | Lively, imaginative, and expressive | |
Gueiluirth | Boy | One with a strong emotional nature | |
Gueithgno | Boy | One who is highly knowledgeable | |
Guencat | Boy | Skilled and efficient | |
Guenhumara | Girl | A very intelligent person | |
Guenhwyvar | Girl | White and fair | |
Guerngen | Boy | One who is very hard-working | |
Guillermin | Boy | One who is cheerful, gorgeous and ideal | |
Guinebas | Boy | One with many qualities and artistic | |
Guinemains | Boy | Practical and intelligent | |
Guingual | Boy | One with negative influences in their life | |
Guingualum | Boy | One who is very creative | |
Guirec | Unisex | Secretive; Reliable; Passionate | |
Guodloiu | Boy | One with a sterling quality but who does not give an overall stability | |
Guonocatui | Boy | One with strong feelings and desire | |
Gurcano | Boy | One's personal experiences; A strong urge for independence | |
Gurcant | Boy | Creative; Imagination | |
Gurcanti | Boy | Emotional and somewhat boisterous | |
Gurceneu | Boy | Quiet; One with an inventive mind | |
Gurceniu | Boy | Systematically intelligent; Possessing a clever mind | |
Gurcenou | Boy | Expression; Expressive | |
Gusta | Girl | The staff of God; One who will be polite and caring for the community; Like angels | |
Gwenhoivar | Girl | Lively and challenging | |
Gwrgi | Boy | One who is perfectionist | |
Hadewisa | Girl | Roger of Mortimer's wife | |
Haida | Girl | Heart | |
Haideh | Girl | Repentant; Regretful; Apologetic | |
Haig | Boy | From the enclosed field | |
Hain | Boy | hawthorn tree | |
Haines | Boy | The variation of Hain | |
Haley | Girl | Hay clearing; Clearing in the woods | |
Halford | Boy | Valley Ford | |
Halwell | Boy | Saintly well | |
Hama | Boy | Verily; Truly; Shower; Rain | |
Hamela | Boy | English and american name | |
Haroldus | Boy | Army ruler | |
Hart | Boy | Strong; Brave; Stag | |
Harte | Boy | From the deer meadow; Stag | |
Hartwell | Boy | Water hole for stags; Stag spring | |
Harvard | Boy | A guard in the army | |
Hassanah | Girl | Most pious; Beautiful | |
Hastings | Boy | Son of the austere man | |
Haura | Girl | The distinctly whorish quality emanating from a female | |
Hawysia | Girl | A flower name | |
Heahburg | Girl | high fortress | |
Heanford | Boy | from the high ford | |
Heathuburg | Girl | expressive, fun-loving nature | |
Hebrewardus | Boy | Guard | |
Hebrewart | Boy | Protector | |
Hebreweald | Boy | Army rule | |
Hebrewulf | Boy | Wolf | |
Hebrewynn | Girl | Friend | |
Helmut | Boy | Defence; Protection; Guard | |
Helmutt | Boy | Brave; Fearless | |
Helton | Boy | From the Hill-slope Estate | |
Henry | Boy | Home ruler | |
Heregyth | Girl | Battle; War | |
Herelaf | Boy | Love | |
Hereman | Boy | soldier man | |
Herered | Boy | council | |
Hereswith | Girl | Strength of the army | |
Herluin | Boy | Friend | |
Hermenjart | Girl | Enclosure | |
Herrold | Boy | Authoritative person in the army | |
Hertant | Boy | An Anglo-Saxon and Canadian name | |
Hertford | Boy | County town of Hertfordshire in England | |
Heruualdus | Boy | Bishop Heruualdus; Mormarch; Priest; Merchuiu | |
Hervy | Boy | Battle worthy | |
Herygh | Boy | A Catholic saint | |
Himam | Boy | Destiny | |
Himank | Boy | Diamond | |
Hincmar | Boy | A British male name | |
Hiraldo | Boy | Powerful man in the army | |
Hirst | Boy | From the Thicket of Trees | |
Hob | Boy | A diminutive of Robert or Robin; The word Hobgoblin is derived from this name | |
Hobard | Boy | Bright; High; Shining Intellect | |
Hobbard | Boy | High; Bright | |
Hodgson | Boy | Son of Roger | |
Hodia | Girl | Wonders of God | |
Hodierna | Girl | Of Today | |
Holden | Boy | Hollow valley | |
Hood | Boy | Prophet Hud; A prophet's name | |
Horith | Boy | Fearless | |
Hormat | Girl | honor | |
Hrehaan | Boy | God's chosen | |
Hriday | Boy | Heart | |
Hugolina | girl | bright spirit | |
Hugolinae | girl | Serious; Mature; Stable | |
Humberth | Boy | Extravagent | |
Hunsige | Boy | A British male name | |
Isabella | Girl | God is my oath | |
Jack | Boy | God is gracious | |
Jacob | Boy | May God protect; Holder of the heel; Supplanter | |
Jimanekia | Girl | Adventurous and straightforward; Independent, ethical, determined towards their goal and have convincing power | |
Johen | Boy | God is gentle; Kind patient, merciful and gracious | |
Jolicia | Girl | Adventurous, clever, artistic | |
British baby names are diverse, dynamic, and timeless. Many of them have religious roots and deep meanings. However, several others are inspired by nature, historical characters, mythology, and even prominent royal individuals. Whether you have British roots or are in awe of the beauty of British names, our list above provides numerous options in alphabetical order. The list also shared the meaning of each name to assist you in finding a suitable moniker for your child. Since these names have diverse origins, they make the British names even more captivating for people across cultures.
Infographic: Brilliant British Baby Names
British baby names exude sophistication and grace. Moreover, they are inspired by many other European cultures, making them truly universal. You can explore a diversity of long and short names and those conveying various virtues. Check out the top British names in this infographic and select a suitable one for your bundle of joy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are some British baby names that have historical significance?
A British baby name with historical significance includes Oliver, which belonged to an important military commander Oliver Cromwell in the 1600s. This was also the name that was assigned to the protagonist of Charles Dickens's novel Oliver Twist in 1838. Another historically relevant British name is Alan, brought to England by the Normans and borne by famous people such as Alan Shepard, the fifth man to walk on the moon (1).
2. What cultural influences have impacted British baby names?
One of the greatest cultural factors influencing British baby names may be the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. After the conquest, many French words were incorporated into English (2). This gave rise to many names still popular globally, such as William, Henry, and Robert.
References:
- Light This Candle: What You Need to Know About Alan Shepard\'s Historic Spaceflight;
https://airandspace.si.edu/stories/editorial/alan-shepard-freedom-7 - The Impact of the Norman Conquest of England;
https://www.worldhistory.org/article/1323/the-impact-of-the-norman-conquest-of-england/