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
Lio-Name-Meaning:-Guide-To-Origin,-Popularity,-And-More		Boy	Lion
Liban		Boy	Persevere; Winner
Dale-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-History-&-Variants:-Complete-Guide		Unisex	Valley; Valley dweller
Amilia-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Girl	Industrious; Hard working; Rival; Brave; Work
Rawan		Girl	To feed water
Eliz		Unisex	My God is an oath; Hand
Rayah		Girl	Queen; Happy; Willing; Friend; Companion
Elana		Girl	Shining one; Bright light
Elaine		Girl	Torch; Light; Moon; My God has answered me
Elizah		Unisex	My God is an oath
Zaya		Boy	Fate; Destiny
Tanvi		Girl	A slender and delicate woman
Raiya		Girl	Countryman; Sheep pasturing; Nationals; Flock; Gratitude; Thunder
Elvie-Name-Meaning-&-Origin:-What-You-Need-To-Know		Girl	Noble; Friend; Elf
Afreen		Girl	Bravo; Well done
Kairi		Unisex	Sea; Ocean village
Elyssa-Name-Meaning,-Origins,-And-Pronunciation:-Complete-Guide		Girl	My God is an oath
Kalina		Girl	Flower; Viburnum tree
Elyssia		Girl	Blissful; Nobility; Nobleness
Mariella		Girl	Star of the sea
Rida		Unisex	Contentment; Satisfaction; God-fearing
Abiha		Girl	Her father; Father of her
Emelie		Girl	Rival
Deanna		Girl	Valley; Chief; Goddess-like
Seher		Girl	Early morning; Dawn; Intelligence; Beauty; Lake; Seer; Visionary
Aiva		Unisex	Yew tree; Army; Warrior; Quince
Jamila		Girl	Beautiful
Prudence-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity:-Complete-Guide		Girl	Wise; Skilled; Good judgement; Prudent
Rosella		Girl	Rose; Fame
Shayla-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Unisex	Blind; Grey-eyed; Prayed for; From the fairy palace; Honest; Sincere
Zaara-Name-Meaning-&-Origin:-Variants,-Popularity,-And-More		Unisex	Princess; Brilliant; Bright; Shining; Blooming flower; Yahweh remembers; God remembers
Celyn-Name:-Guide-To-Pronunciation,-Popularity,-And-More		Unisex	Holly
Evanna		Girl	God is gracious; Graceful life; Living grace
Kinza		Girl	Treasure; To see left; A kinswoman; Royal victory; Gold mint
Roxana		Girl	Bright; Shining
Milita		Girl	Gracious; Dear
Everlyn		Unisex	Boar clearing; Desired; Water; Island
Ammarah		Girl	Woman who has a strong faith in Allah
Preet		Girl	Love; Affection; Pleasure
Kora		Girl	Maiden; Heart; Horn; Of the Lord; Fuel; Fire
Madeeha		Girl	A woman who is worthy of every praise
Calliope		Girl	Beautiful voice
Aarna		Girl	Wave; Ocean; Another name of Goddess Lakshmi
Shanzay		Girl	Princess
Anaisha		Boy	Day; Nightless; Sleepless
Malka-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Girl	Queen; Princess blessed by God
Hester		Girl	Star; Myrtle leaf; Beech tree
Kylah-Complete-Guide:-Meaning,-Origin,-Nicknames-&-Popularity		Girl	Narrows; Channel; Strait
Briar-Name-Meaning-And-History:-The-Ultimate-Baby-Name-Guide		Unisex	A group of thorny bushes; Heather; Son of the friar
Shaniya		Girl	On my way; God is gracious
Heaven-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-History,-And-Key-Insights		Unisex	Paradise
Lori		Girl	Laurel
Anum		Girl	Blessing; Allah's favors upon humans
Muna		Unisex	Desire; Wish; Spring; First; Vision; Bud
Muntaha		Unisex	Ultimate; Utmost; Highest point
Frieda		Girl	Peace; Powerful ruler
Areej		Girl	A fragrant smell
Hirah		Unisex	Splendour
Yazmin		Girl	Jasmine
Yasmeen		Girl	Jasmine flower
Leanna		Girl	Light; To twine around; Bright
Haniyah-Name-Meaning-&-Popularity:-Comprehensive-Guide		Girl	Pleasant; Lovely
Leilah-Name-Meaning,-Origin-&-Popularity:-Comprehensive-Guide		Girl	Night beauty
Lliv		Girl	Life; Protection; Shelter; Olive
Yana		Unisex	God is gracious; Doer of good deeds
Liora-Name-Meaning:-Guide-To-Origin,-Pronunciation-&-Variations		Girl	Light for me
Sakinah		Girl	Tranquility; Peace of mind
Saffa		Unisex	Pure; Clarity
Suzanna		Girl	Lily; Lotus; Rose
Aubrie-Name-Meaning-And-Origin-In-2025:-Ultimate-Guide		Girl	Elf ruler; God is my strength
Lianna		Girl	To twine around; Dweller by the wood; God has favored me; To sheave
Albion		Boy	White; Bright
Raven		Unisex	A black bird; Dark-haired; Wise
Bray		Boy	Border; Hillside
Nayel		Unisex	Brave; Winner; Share; Accomplisher
Asad		Boy	Lion; God's strength
Hammad		Boy	Praiseworthy
Zavian		Boy	New house; Bright; Shining; Radiant
Rahil-Name:-Your-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Trends,-And-Traits		Boy	Traveller; Ewe
Nahom-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Popularity-&-Pronunciation		Boy	Comforter
Hudhayfah		Boy	An ancient Arabic name
Edoardo		Boy	Rich guard
Bobi		Boy	Bright fame
Ziad		Boy	To increase; Growth; Abundance
Pasha-Name-Meaning:-Your-Complete-Guide-To-Origin-And-History		Girl	Small; Humble; Chief
Ebrahim		Boy	Father of many
Ozan		Boy	A bard
Mikel		Boy	Who is like God
Joris		Boy	Farmer; Spring season
Mirza		Boy	A nobleman with a high rank; A respected person; Prince; Commander
Irtaza		Unisex	Favorite; Likable; Satisfied
Adamas-Baby-Name:-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Pronunciation,-Meaning-&-More		Unisex	Unconquerable; Invincible; Diamond
Zinedine-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-Variants-&-Key-Insights		Unisex	Beauty of the religion; Grace of the religion
Acer		Boy	Happy; Blessed
Advait		Boy	Unique; Not dual
Piran		Boy	Black: Old; Aged; Ancient
Arturo		Boy	Bear; King
Morris		Boy	Dark-skinned; North African; Moorish; Dark; Swarthy
Caelen		Boy	Slender; Narrow; Fine; Victorious people
Zeke:-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Meaning,-History,-And-Popularity		Boy	God strengthens; To strengthen

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