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
Gianluca		Boy	God is gracious; From Lucania
Finnian		Boy	Little fair one; Blessed white one
Husnain		Boy	Handsome and elegant; Pure in the eyes
Maahir-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	A skilled person; Someone who is an expert
Dayton		Unisex	Ditch town
Augustas		Boy	Exalted, Venerable, To increase
Jadon-Name-Meaning:-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Origins-&-Popularity		Boy	Thankful; God has heard; He will judge
Romario		Boy	Famous wedge; Famous law
Fintan		Boy	White fire; White ancient
Cobi-Name-Pronunciation:-Complete-Guide-To-Popularity-&-Meaning		Unisex	Supplanter; He who replaces; Holder of the heel
Kaiyan		Unisex	King; Foundation; Earth
Muadh		Girl	Protected; Guarded; The one who will lead the scholars into Paradise
Akshay		Boy	Immortal; Eternal; Imperishable
Wil		Unisex	Desire; Will; Protection
Nali		Unisex	Good; Beautiful
Rayhaan-Name-Meaning:-What-You-Need-To-Know-For-2025		Boy	A sweet-smelling flower that brings comfort
Aslan		Boy	Lion
Riyad		Boy	Land with beautiful grass and flowers; Meadows; Gardens
Kyson		Boy	Son of Ky; Firebrand
Marko-Name-Origin-And-Meaning:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Mars; The god of war; Warlike; Male
Ajit		Boy	Invincible ; Unconquerable; Epithet of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu
Reed		Boy	The one with red hair or complexion
Horatio-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Hour; Time; Season
Wolf		Unisex	Wolf; Path of the wolf
Uzayr		Boy	Helper; Strength
Aaditya-Meaning-&-Origin:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Belonging to Aditi; Son of Aditi; Of Aditi; The Sun
Franek		Boy	A person who is free; A person from France
Reiss		Unisex	Ardour; Enthusiasm
Lars-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-History-&-What-You-Need-To-Know		Boy	From Laurentum; Crowned with laurel
Jowan		Boy	Yahweh is gracious; Yahweh is merciful
Shrey		Boy	Excellent; Better; Best
Amaar		Boy	Immortality; Long-lived; Virtuous
Rabia-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-History,-And-4-Cute-Nicknames		Girl	Fourth; Springtime
Aiyana		Girl	Eternal bloom; Ever-blooming flower; Flower; Silent
Taiba		Girl	Repentant; Virtuous; God-fearing; Pious
Marcella-Name-Meaning-And-History:-Ultimate-Baby-Guide		Girl	Warlike; A young warrior; Dedicated to Mars
Chana		Girl	A favor from almighty God
Yumna		Girl	Right-handed; Lucky
Roya-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity:-A-Complete-Guide		Girl	Dream; Vision; Heavenly
Kaycee-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-Popularity,-And-Famous-Namesakes		Unisex	Vigilant
Maliyah		Girl	Beloved; Love
Briella		Girl	God is my strength
Bridie		Girl	The exalted one; Power; Strength; Virtue
Giorgia		Girl	Earthworker; Farmer
Briana		Girl	High; Power; Hill
Bree-Name-Meaning:-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Origin-And-History		Unisex	Hill; Power; Might; Son of Breagha; Someone who lives near or on a hill
Lailah-Baby-Name:-Your-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning-&-Popularity		Girl	Night; Holy; Blessed
Ania		Girl	Graceful young girl; Favor; Merciful
Naira		Girl	Bright; Luminous; Brilliant; Eye; Early; One having big eyes; Black or dark
Urwa		Unisex	Strong support
Faizah-Baby-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning-And-Pronunciation		Girl	A victorious girl
Anja		Girl	Grace; Favor
Yashvi		Unisex	Fame; Praise; Glory
Aaila		Girl	Family; Halo of the moon; Moon-like; Beautiful
Nura		Girl	Light; Divine light
Shakira		Girl	Thankful; Grateful
Nusayba		Girl	A noble person who is an appropriate one
Hooria-Baby-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Popularity-&-Pronunciation		Girl	Maiden; Nymph; Having eyes with an intense contrast of white and black
Maida		Girl	Glorious; Magnificent; Maiden; Virgin
Nadine		Girl	Hope; Showerer of blessings; Messenger
Emie-Name-Guide:-Pronunciation,-Popularity,-Meaning-&-More		Unisex	Great; Rival
Sumaiyah		Girl	A Prophet's companion
Amarachi		Unisex	God's grace
Evelyne		Girl	To breathe; To live; Hazelnut
Mylee		Unisex	Gracious; Dear; Soldier
Evelin		Girl	Living; Life
Zehra-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity:-Complete-Guide		Girl	Blooming flower; To shine; Bright; Brilliant
Leni		Boy	Torch; Bright shining light; Of Magdala; Tower
Trisha-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity:-Complete-Guide		Unisex	Nobleman
Susanna-Name-Meaning:-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Origin-And-History		Girl	Lily; Rose; Lotus
Jolie		Girl	Pretty; Joy; Pleasure; Contentment
Teja		Girl	Fire; Divine power; Light; Gift of God
Hanifa-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning-And-Pronunciation		Girl	True believer; Inclined to Islam
Queenie		Girl	Woman; Wife; Royal lady
Suraya		Girl	Star cluster; The Pleiades
Anabel		Girl	Lovable; Beautiful; Grace
Chimamanda		Boy	My God will not fail me
Arina		Girl	Peace; From Hadria; Gold; Radiant one
Rosalyn		Girl	Beautiful rose; Gentle horse; Famous and mild
Manuela-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-Complete-Guide		Girl	God is with us
Amaris		Boy	Pledged by God; God has said; Bitter
Clodagh		Girl	A person living near the Clodiagh river; Cloak; Stony
Marcy-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-History,-Nicknames:-Ultimate-Guide		Girl	Mars; Roman God of war; Warlike
Jersey-Name-Meaning:-Complete-Guide-To-History-&-Popularity		Boy	Grassy island; Geirr's island
Keeley-Name-Meaning-And-History:-Your-Comprehensive-2025-Guide		Girl	Slender; Graceful
Imelda		Girl	Great battle
Sahara		Girl	Deserts
Jewel		Girl	Precious stone; Game; Generous lord
Essie		Girl	Star; Evening star
Amreen		Girl	Good-scented; Black eyes
Lucja		Girl	Name describing light
Bisma		Girl	Polite; Gold or silver
Sabina		Girl	A Sabine
Bahar-Name-Meaning:-Origins,-History,-And-Key-Insights		Girl	Spring; Bloom; Beauty; Youth
Nelle		Girl	Torch; Corposant; Shining one; God is my judge
Larisa		Girl	Citadel; Joyful; A toponymic Greek name
Ann		Girl	Grace; Favor
Adina-Name-Meaning,-Origin-&-History:-Complete-Guide		Girl	Delicate; Noble; Name; Mild; Gentle
Avie		Girl	A God who is the father of all; Beautiful voice
Afsa		Girl	Chaste; Purity

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