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
Siyana		Girl	Glow; Shine; Light; Silver
Aadhya		Girl	Original power; First creator; Unequaled; Perfect; Epithet for Goddess Durga
Janelle		Girl	God is gracious
Estelle		Girl	Star
Ettie		Girl	Home ruler; Star; God is my oath
Zosia		Girl	Wisdom
Isabela-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-Complete-Guide		Girl	God is my oath
Freja-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-Complete-Guide-In-2025		Girl	Lady; Noblewoman
Tyrell		Unisex	To pull
Trystan		Unisex	A sorrowful man
Kieron		Boy	Dark-haired; Dark-complexioned; Black; Dark; Descendant of Ciarán; Ray of light
Tobi		Boy	Yahweh is good
Timur-Name-Meaning,-History-&-Origin:-Complete-Guide		Boy	Iron; Strong
Nataniel		Boy	The one who came from God
Jerome		Boy	Sacred name
Angel-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-Everything-You-Need-To-Know		Boy	A messenger
Aneurin		Boy	Honour; Esteem; Dignity
Kush		Boy	Sacred grass
Nihal		Boy	Exuberant; Prosperous; Jubilant; Drink
Floyd		Boy	Gray-haired
Nikola-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Victory of the people
Lex-Name-Meaning,-History-&-Variants:-Complete-Guide		Boy	Defender of men
Llewelyn		Boy	Leader; Lion-like
Loxley-Name-Meaning-And-History:-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Woodland clearing
Luciano		Boy	Light; Shining
Bowen		Boy	Son of Owen; Noble; Victorious
Jak		Boy	God is gracious; Holder of the heel
Maher		Boy	Skilled; Talented
Haadi-Name-Meaning,-Pronunciation,-Popularity:-Complete-Guide		Unisex	Guide; Leader
Callen		Girl	War; Rock; Descendant of Cathalán; Battle rule
Conner-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity:-Complete-Guide		Boy	Desiring wolf; Inspector
Kaelan		Boy	Slender
Dara		Boy	Fruitful; Star; Wealthy
Mert		Boy	Manly or man; Brave
Pawel		Boy	One who is humble and small
Kaan		Boy	King; Ruler
Indiana		Unisex	Land of the Indians
Huzaifah		Boy	Sheep; Little sheep
Tyson-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-History,-And-Popularity-Guide		Boy	High spirited; Firebrand; Son of Tyson
Keon		Girl	King; Ancient; God is gracious; Son of Eoghan; Son of John; Strong; Respect
Todd		Boy	Fox
Jerry		Boy	God will exalt; Sacred name; Power of the spear
Avi		Boy	Father; My God; Sun; Air
Soren-Name-Meaning-In-2025:-Origin,-Popularity-&-Variations		Boy	Stern; Severe
Aris		Boy	Best purpose; Ruin; Man; From Hadria; Best; Rainbow; Straightforward
Shivam-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Lord Shiva; Kindly
Franklyn-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-Complete-Guide		Boy	Freeman
Leandro		Boy	Lion-like person
Alpha		Unisex	Name of the first letter in the Greek alphabet
Augustus		Boy	Exalted; Venerable; Majestic
Lockie		Boy	Vikings; Scandinavian; Land of the lakes
Younis-Name-Meaning,-Origin-And-Popularity:-Ultimate-Guide		Girl	Dove
Mahmoud		Boy	One who is praised; Commendable; Worthy of reverence
Ridwan		Boy	Grace; Pleasure; Satisfaction
Danielius		Boy	God protects
Zackariya		Boy	Yahweh remembers
Iwan-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity:-Complete-Guide		Boy	God is gracious
Zakariah-Baby-Name-Meaning-And-History:-A-Complete-Guide		Boy	God remembers; God has remembered
Marty		Boy	The god of war; Mars; Dedicated to Mars; Warlike; Male
Rahim		Boy	Kind; Merciful; Compassionate
Jonty-Name-Meaning:-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Origin-And-Nicknames		Girl	Yahweh has given; The gift of God
Meir		Boy	Bright one; Giving light
Mihail		Boy	Who is like God
Hisham		Boy	Generous; To crush
Noa		Unisex	Movement; Motion
Zorawar		Unisex	Commander; General; Powerful warrior; Strong leader
Pheobe		Girl	An attentive, bright, and pure person
Tayla		Girl	To cut
Maizie-Name-Meaning:-Ultimate-Guide-To-Origins-&-Popularity		Girl	Pearl
Clover		Girl	Meadow flower; Wild flower
Teodora		Girl	God's gift
Anoushka		Girl	Grace; A favour
Alisia		Girl	Of the noble kind; Honorable; Famous in battle
Milla		Girl	Devoted; Young religious attendant
Aniela-Name-Meaning:-Guide-To-Origin,-Variants-&-Popularity		Girl	Messenger of God; Angel; God is my grace
Niya		Girl	To passover; Bright; Purpose; Of Sidon
Aleyna		Girl	To us; Gentle; Soft; Handsome; Little rock
Naila		Girl	Attainer; Successful one
Lulu		Girl	Pearl; Famous warrior; Light; Precious; Peaceful
Manahil		Girl	A girl who is like a spring of fresh water
Medina		Girl	A city of the Prophet
Hira		Girl	Diamond; One of the many names of goddess Lakshmi
Nuha		Girl	Mind; Wisdom; Intelligence
Jasmina-Name-Origin-And-Meaning:-Complete-Guide		Girl	Jasmine flower
Marianne-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History		Girl	Rebellious
Cherry		Girl	Cherry fruit; Darling; Dear
Nimrat		Girl	The one who carries God's message; Humble
Ellena		Girl	Light; Torch
Anabelle-Name-Meaning-And-History:-Comprehensive-Guide-For-2025		Girl	Lovable; Favor; Gracious beauty
Kylie		Girl	Boomerang; Narrows; Channel; Strait
Amaia		Girl	The ending; Final resolution; The beginning of the end
Aseel		Boy	Evening; Nighttime; Noble; Genuine; Pure; Original
Kathryn		Girl	Pure; Clear; Innocent
Aaira		Girl	Respectable; Noble; Honorable
Eddison		Boy	Son of Eda; Son of Adam
Marlow		Boy	Remnants of a lake; Driftwood
Ahmet		Boy	Greatly praised; Highly commendable
Donovan		Boy	Brown-haired chieftain; Dark
Jarvis		Boy	Spear; With Honor
Hamdan		Boy	The praised one

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