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
Sahara		Girl	Deserts
Suraya		Girl	Star cluster; The Pleiades
Arina		Girl	Peace; From Hadria; Gold; Radiant one
Amaris		Boy	Pledged by God; God has said; Bitter
Serafina-Name-Meaning-&-History:-Variants-&-Popularity		Girl	Burning ones; Fiery ones; Thrice holy; Ardent
Lotti		Girl	Free person; Army
Ann		Girl	Grace; Favor
Lucja		Girl	Name describing light
Anabel		Girl	Lovable; Beautiful; Grace
Amreen		Girl	Good-scented; Black eyes
Aarib		Boy	Winner; Successful; Brilliant; Clever; Intelligent; Handsome
Duke-Name-Meaning:-Comprehensive-Guide-To-History-&-Popularity		Boy	Leader
Zidaan-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity:-Complete-Guide		Boy	To increase; To grow
Kaelen		Boy	Slender; Mighty warrior
Colt-Name-Meaning-And-History:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Young male horse; Horsekeeper
Art		Boy	Bear; Bear-like; Bold; Strong man; A Champion
Drake-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-Key-Insights-For-2025		Boy	Dragon; Serpent
Zakir		Boy	To memorize; To study; To remember
Zakary		Unisex	God remembers
Zaine		Unisex	Handsome one; Beauty; Radiant
Ehsan		Boy	Powerful; Kindness; Graciousness; Generosity; Charity
Elon		Boy	Oak tree
Kasey		Boy	Vigilant; Observant
Arif		Boy	Expert; Knowing; Knowledgeable; Learned; Wise; Intelligent; Kind; Good; Smart
Kaydan		Unisex	Companion
Viraaj		Girl	Radiant; Bright; Regal; King; Ruling far and wide
Vaughn-Baby-Name-Meaning:-Your-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Little
Arden		Girl	Great forest; Garden of Eden; High valley
Darin-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-History-&-Complete-Guide		Girl	Great
Peyton		Girl	Fighting man's estate; Warrior's town
Devan		Boy	Descendant of Damhán; Calf; Fawn; Divine; Godlike; Heavenly; Little dark one
Ceejay-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning-&-Popularity-in-2025		Unisex	Phonetic spelling of the initials CJ
Lennard		Boy	Brave lion; Hard; Brave; Hardy
Qais		Boy	Lover; Firm; Measurement
Deon		Boy	Of Zeus; God of Nysa; Alternate name of the Greek God Dionysius
Monroe		Unisex	From the mouth of the Roe river
Leif-Name-Meaning,-History,-And-Pronunciation:-Complete-Guide		Boy	A descendant; Heir
Olivers		Boy	Elf Warrior
Boden		Boy	Messenger; Bottom; Small hut; Descendant of Buadan; One who takes shelter
Mac		Boy	Son of; Great; Horse; Border; Guard; Screen; Curtain
Frasier		Boy	Forest men; Strawberry; Name of a place in Scotland
Moosa		Boy	One who is saved out of the water; The name of a prophet of Almighty
Shlok		Boy	Hymns; Vedic chant
Alasdair		Boy	Defender of men
Lance		Boy	Weapon; Land
Odhran		Boy	Dun-colored; Greyish brown; Tan
Sion-Baby-Name-Meaning-&-Origin:-2025-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Holy sanctuary
Octavian-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Eight; Born in the eighth month; Born eighth
Godwin		Boy	Friend of God; Good friend
Stan-Name-Meaning:-Ultimate-Guide-To-Origins-And-Pop-Culture		Boy	A stony meadow; Become glorious; Constant; Steadfast
Ocean		Unisex	Sea
Agastya		Boy	Name of an influential Hindu sage; The Canopus star
Caolan		Boy	Slender
Stephan		Unisex	Crown; Wreath
Bobbi		Girl	A short form of Roberta; Bright; Famous one; Famously famous
Jamari		Boy	A good-looking man; Beauty; The pool
Kylian-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity:-Complete-Guide		Boy	Church; Narrows; Channel; Strait
Campbell:-Complete-Guide-To-Origin,-Meaning,-And-Popularity		Girl	One who has a crooked mouth
Ion		Boy	Yahweh is gracious; Going
Himmat-Baby-Name:-Pronunciation,-Popularity-&-Key-Insights		Boy	Courage
Rishan		Boy	A good human being; Strong; Lord Shiva
Rafay		Boy	Exalter; Glorifier; Raiser
Malaki-Name-Meaning,-Origin-&-Pronunciation:-Complete-Guide		Boy	Messenger of God; Second; Big; Great; Handsome
Selim		Boy	Safe; Sound; Intact; To be safel; Righteous; True; Perfect; Unblemished; In good health
Muhsin-Baby-Name-Meaning:-Complete-Guide-To-Origin-&-Popularity		Boy	Kind; Beneficent; Helper
Aadvik-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Popularity-&-Nicknames		Boy	Unique
Mike		Boy	Who is like God
Nikolay		Boy	Victory; The triumph of the public
Akeem		Boy	Wise
Dale-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-History-&-Variants:-Complete-Guide		Unisex	Valley; Valley dweller
Liban		Boy	Persevere; Winner
Lio-Name-Meaning:-Guide-To-Origin,-Popularity,-And-More		Boy	Lion
Tzvi		Boy	Deer; Gazelle; Roebuck
Clarence		Boy	Clear; Bright; Illustrious; Famous; A person residing near River Clare
Arafat		Boy	Sacred hill near Mecca
Tommaso		Boy	Twin
Rehaan		Boy	One of good scent, or fragrance
Brayan		Boy	Hill; Noble; Power
Khizar		Boy	Moist; Green
Khush-Name-Meaning:-All-You-Need-To-Know		Boy	Joyful; Happy
Eymen-Name-Origin-And-Meaning:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	More fortunate; Lucky; Blessed; Righteous; Right-handed
Reis		Boy	Leader; Chief; King; Kingdom; Empire
Tobie		Boy	Yahweh is good
Sameer-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Companion in evening talk; Wind; Air
Izaac		Boy	To laugh; He will rejoice
Iago		Boy	Supplanter; Holder of the heel
Thorin		Boy	Thunder
Braiden-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-Complete-Guide-For-2025		Unisex	Salmon; Thief
Nael		Boy	God has given; Blessed and generous
Taylen		Boy	To cut
Taym-Baby-Name:-Everything-You-Need-To-Know		Unisex	God's servant
Tayo		Boy	Worth joy; Much or many; World
Teddi		Boy	Rich God; God's gift
Salih		Boy	Virtuous
Ianto		Unisex	God is gracious
Lewin-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-History,-And-Popularity-Guide		Boy	Beloved; Dear friend
Bartlomiej		Boy	Son of Talmai; Farmer's Son
Reon		Unisex	Tinkling; Clever; Smart; Lotus; Pure; Upright; Good; Fine; Thanks; Gratitude
Lewys		Boy	The one of fame in war
Raif-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity:-Complete-Guide		Boy	Compassionate; Kind; Affectionate; Benign; Sympathetic; Merciful

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