Top Baby Names In UK For 2018

Names loved and approved by parents in the UK.

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

In the olden days, parents often chose baby names from the Bible, like David (beloved) or Elizabeth (my God is an oath). And even though these names are still popular today, the top UK baby names in 2018 indicate that parents are also considering options without religious significance. In 2018, Oliver (olive tree planter) topped the list as the most popular boy’s name, while Olivia (olive tree) was the favorite for girls in the UK. This indicated that parents are willing to explore new and fresh names.

Royal names like Harry (home ruler), George (farmer), Isabella (pledged to God), and Charlotte (free man) were also popular as these names indicated elegance and nobility. At the same time, simple names such as Max (the greatest), Eva (Mother of life), Finley (fair warrior), and Millie (gentle strength) also found a place on the popularity chart as parents were attracted to their deep meaning and innocent charm. The list below consists of the most popular baby names in the UK, compiled by the Office for National Statistics (1). Have a look to find a trendy and meaningful name for your little one.

In This Article

Browse Top Baby Names by Gender

Girl Boy

Browse Top Baby Names by Year

Name		Gender	Meaning
Olivia		Girl	Peace; Olive tree
Oliver		Boy	Olive; Olive tree planter; Ancestor's descendant; All cautious
Harry		Boy	Ruler of the household
Amelia		Girl	Hard working; Industrious
George		Boy	Farmer; Earth worker
Isla		Girl	Island
Ava		Girl	Desire; Life; Bird-like; Voice; Sound
Noah		Unisex	Rest; Comfort
Jack		Boy	God is gracious; Healthy; Supplanter
Emily		Girl	To strive; To excel; Hardworking; Rival
Jacob		Boy	May God protect; Holder of the heel; Supplanter
Isabella		Girl	God is my oath
Leo		Boy	Lion
Mia		Girl	Mine; Dear; Darling; Wished-for child; Sea of bitterness; Beloved; Rebelliousness
Poppy		Girl	Red flowering plant
Oscar		Boy	God's spear; Friend of deer
Charlie		Unisex	Free man; Army
Ella		Girl	Beautiful; Goddess; Other
Lily		Girl	Name of a flower; Purity; Innocence
Muhammad		Boy	Praiseworthy; Praised one; Praise; Commendable
Sophia		Girl	She who possesses great knowledge and wisdom
William		Boy	Will; Protector
Charlotte		Girl	Free person; Petite
Alfie		Boy	Elf counsel
Thomas		Boy	Twin
Grace		Girl	Goodness; Generosity
Henry		Boy	Home ruler
Evie		Girl	Life; Breathe; Hazelnut
Joshua		Boy	God is salvation
Jessica		Girl	God beholds
Sophie		Girl	She who is wise
Freddie		Boy	Peace
James		Boy	Supplanter
Alice		Girl	Noble; Kind; Nobility
Daisy		Girl	Daisy flower; Day eye
Archie		Boy	Holy and bold; Genuine and brave; Brave master
Florence		Girl	Flourishing; Prosperous
Arthur		Boy	Bear king; Bear
Logan		Boy	Little hollow
Freya		Girl	A noble woman
Phoebe		Girl	Bright; Radiant
Theo		Boy	Gift of God; God; Folk; People
Evelyn		Girl	Life; Hazelnut; Lake; Beauty
Alexander		Boy	Defender of mankind
Edward		Boy	Rich guard
Sienna		Unisex	Reddish brown clay; From city if Siena
Isaac		Boy	He will laugh; He will rejoice; Laughter
Isabelle		Girl	My God is an oath; Devoted to God
Ivy		Girl	Climber plant; Fig
Lucas		Boy	Bringer of light; From Lucania; Light
Ethan		Boy	Enduring; Firm; Strong
Willow		Girl	Willow tree; Freedom
Matilda		Girl	Strength in battle
Max		Boy	The greatest
Joseph		Boy	He will add; Praise
Elsie		Girl	God is my oath; Pledged to God
Samuel		Boy	Name of God; God has heard
Ruby		Girl	A precious red jewel; Red gemstone
Mohammed		Boy	Praised; Commendable
Scarlett		Girl	The color scarlet; Bright red; A person who sold or made clothes made of scarlet
Sofia		Girl	Wisdom
Finley		Boy	Fair hero; White Warrior
Chloe		Girl	Fresh blooming; Ripe green shoot; Yellow
Daniel		Boy	God is my judge
Benjamin		Boy	Son of the right hand; Son of the south
Eva		Girl	To breathe; To live; Mother of life; Full of life
Harrison		Boy	House ruler; Son of Harry
Rosie		Girl	Rose; Famous type
Sebastian		Boy	From Sebaste; Venerable; Exalted
Adam		Boy	Son of the Earth; Formed of earth; Red; One from the soil
Emilia		Girl	Rival; Laborious; Eager
Mason		Boy	Stone worker
Millie		Girl	Gentle strength; Brave
Layla		Girl	Night; Dark
Theodore		Unisex	God's gift
Teddy		Unisex	Rich guard; Gift of God
Imogen		Girl	Maiden; Beloved child
Dylan		Boy	To tide; To flow
Maya		Girl	Illusion; Magic; Sea of bitterness; Beloved; Good mother; Dame
Elijah		Boy	Yahweh is my God
Eliza		Girl	My God is an oath; Pledged to God; Joyful
Esme		Boy	Esteemed; Love; Supreme
Arlo		Boy	Fortified hill; Between two highlands
Riley		Boy	Clearing of rye; Valiant
Lola		Girl	Sorrows
Elizabeth		Girl	My God is an oath
David		Boy	Beloved; Uncle
Zachary		Boy	Yahweh has remembered; To remember
Louie		Boy	Famous warrior
Maisie		Girl	Pearl
Toby		Boy	Yahweh is good
Luna		Girl	Moon
Hugo		Boy	Mind; Spirit; Thought
Reuben		Boy	Behold a son
Lucy		Girl	Light
Jude		Girl	Praised; Minor ruler; Prince; Jew
Ellie		Girl	God is my light; My God is an oath; Torch
Reggie		Boy	Powerful advisor; Wise ruler
Harriet		Girl	Home ruler
Emma		Girl	Whole; Universal

When you look at the list of top UK baby names in 2018, you might feel overwhelmed by the several options. To make the selection easy, start by determining the meaning you want your child’s name to convey. Then focus on the names that match the meaning. Shortlist your favorites, and then choose the one that feels right for your little one. No matter which name you pick, it will always hold a special place in your heart.

Infographic: Popular Nature-inspired Girl Names In The UK

Nature’s freshness can make a person feel calm and rejuvenated. The natural world can help lift your spirits and inspire creativity. That’s why many cultures choose baby names that are connected to nature, and the UK is no different. Take a look at the infographic below for a glimpse of the most popular nature-inspired baby girl names in the country.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team