Top Baby Names In UK For 2018

Names loved and approved by parents in the UK.

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
Mina		Girl	Precious blue stone; Love; A place near Makkah; Goddess of sun, moon, and stars; Fierce protector
Tiffany-Name-Meaning:-A-Complete-Guide-To-Origin-And-Popularity		Girl	Manifestation of the God
Ryder-Name-Meaning,-Origin-And-Popularity:-Complete-2025-Guide		Boy	Mounted warrior; Knight; Messenger
Hughie		Boy	Heart; Mind; Spirit; A diminutive of Hugh
Fergus-Name-Origin,-Meaning-&-History:-Comprehensive-2025-Guide		Boy	Man of strength
Zander-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Defender of men
Ace		Unisex	Highest rank; One; Defending men
Mikey		Boy	Who is like God
Miguel		Boy	Who is like God
Loki:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Origin-&-Popularity-In-2025		Boy	To lock; The Trickster God
Dean		Boy	Valley; Leader
Meadow		Girl	Grassy field; Meadow; A mown field
Siena-Name-Meaning:-Origins,-Variations,-Popularity,-&-History		Girl	A place in Italy; Orange-red
Isra		Unisex	Night journey
Nola		Girl	Olive tree; God is with us; White shoulders; Fair; Noble
Diya-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Girl	Radiance; Light; Lamp; Splendor
Cerys		Girl	A lovely individual
Alys		Girl	Of the noble kind; Honorable
Ned-Name-Meaning-And-History:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Protector of riches; Wealthy guardian
Macsen-Name-Meaning:-What-You-Need-To-Know		Boy	The greatest one
Odin		Boy	Inspiration; Frenzy; Rage
Eisa-Name-Meaning-Complete-Guide:-Origin,-Pronunciation-&-More		Girl	Glowing embers; Yahweh is salvation; God is salvation
Amaan		Boy	Protection; Trustworthy; Most loveable; Peace of mind
Mikaeel		Boy	Who is like God
Piotr		Boy	Rock; Stone
Jett		Boy	Jet aircraft; Intense black color
Saskia-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-Expert-Guide		Girl	The Saxon woman; Knife
Octavia-Name-Meaning-And-History:-Complete-Guide-In-2025		Girl	Eight or eighth
Haleema		Girl	Forbearing; Gentle; Mild-mannered
Lilia		Girl	Lily; Purity; White
Safaa		Girl	Pure
Adelaide		Girl	Noble natured; Noble; Kind
Poppie		Girl	Poppy flower
Huxley		Boy	Inhospitable place; Hugh's meadow, clearing, woodland
Jago		Boy	Yahweh may protect; Holder of Heel; Supplanter
Kylo		Boy	Sky
Omer		Boy	Populous; Flourishing; Sheaf of wheat
Imran		Boy	Exalted nation
Kayson		Boy	Enclosure; Yard; Town
Deniz		Unisex	Sea
Caden		Boy	Son or descendant of Cadán; Strength; Battle spirit; Warrior
Israel-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	God contends
Angelina		Girl	Messenger of God; Angelic
Maeve		Girl	One who rules or intoxicates
Neave		Unisex	Bright
Ria		Girl	To flow; Ground; Love; Beloved; Crimson pear; Joyful; Sweet; Free
Annalise		Girl	Graced with God's bounty; My God is an oath
Georgie-Name-Meaning,-Origin-&-Popularity:-Complete-Guide		Girl	Farmer; Earthworker
Moses-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Draw out of water; Savior; Deliver
Fred-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-History-&-Popularity-Insights		Boy	Peaceful ruler
Rayaan		Unisex	Watered; Luxuriant; Heaven's flower
Samson-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Sun
Selena		Girl	Moon, Sky; Heaven
Angela-Name-Meaning,-Origin-And-Popularity:-Comprehensive-Guide		Girl	Messenger; Angel
Salma		Girl	Safe; Peaceful
Khaleesi		Girl	Queen
Alia		Girl	Noble; Sublime; Exalted; Heavenly; High; Divine
Alivia		Girl	Olive tree; Descendant of the ancestor
Amal-Baby-Name-Meaning,-Origin-And-Complete-Guide		Boy	Hope; Aspiration; Work
Rebeca		Girl	To tie; To bind
Kody-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Origin-&-Popularity		Boy	Descendant of the helpful one; Son of Odo; Helpful
Vinny		Unisex	To conquer
Wilson		Boy	Will helmet; Son of Will
Ajay		Boy	Unconquerable
Judah-Name-Meaning,-Origin-&-History:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Praise; To be praised; Thanksgiving
King		Boy	Monarch; Ruler
Jeremy		Boy	Exalted by the Lord
Ruairi		Boy	Red king
Rogan-Name-Meaning:-A-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Its-Origins		Boy	Son of Ruadhagáin; Red
Frazer		Boy	Strawberry; Filled with life
Lina		Girl	Tender; Palm tree; Flax; United; Absorbed; Pretty; Elegant; Sunlight; Cascade falls
Hiba		Girl	Gift; Blessing
Subhan		Boy	Exalted; Praise; Glory
Henley		Boy	High meadow; Hen; Wild bird
Arjan		Boy	From Hadria; Procuring; Earning; Acquiring; Gaining; Golden life
Miya		Girl	A beautiful temple; Shrine; Palace; Beauty; Fruit; To watch; To care for; Night; Wished for child
Arla		Girl	Early; In the morning; A betrothed woman bearing the qualities of an eagle
Elisabeth		Girl	My God is an oath; God's promise
Peggy		Girl	Pearl; Child of light
Reid		Boy	Red-haired
Avery-Name-Meaning-&-Origin:-Your-Complete-Guide		Unisex	Ruler of elves; Elf counsel
Kristian-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-Ultimate-Guide-In-2025		Boy	Christian; Follower of the Christ; Anointed
Colby		Boy	From a coal town; From a dark town
Dalton		Boy	Settlement in valley
Stanislaw		Boy	He is going to become glorious
Eadie-Name-Meaning:-Guide-To-Origin,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity		Girl	Fortunate battle; Wealthy battle
Michaela		Girl	Who is like God?
Amanda		Girl	One who is worthy of love and respect; Loved by others
Tara		Girl	Elevated place; Star; Hill
Aysha		Girl	Living; Alive
Liana-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-Variations-&-Popularity-in-2025		Girl	My God has answered; To twine around; Lily flower; Bound by vines; Glowing lady
Hettie-Baby-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning-&-Popularity		Girl	Home ruler; Enclosure; Lord of the manor; Star
Teodor		Boy	A gift of god
Gethin		Boy	The person who has black or gloomy skin
Nolan		Boy	Champion; Famous; Loud; Descendant of Nuallán
Zayyan-Name:-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Meaning,-Popularity-&-More		Boy	Nice; Beautiful; Handsome
Yasmine		Girl	Jasmine flower
Aida		Girl	Returning; Visitor; Noble; Fire; Moon; Ornament; Happy; Distinguished
Kaia		Girl	From the Earth; Sea; Rejoice; Pure; Each of the two
Hoorain		Unisex	Beautiful angel

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