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
Shimon		Boy	Hearing; Listening
Alvaro		Boy	Elf army; All guard
Shayne-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-Complete-Guide		Unisex	God is gracious
Shaurya		Boy	Courage; Bravery; Valor; Might
Almir		Boy	Prince; Commander; Noble; Famous
Allan		Boy	Handsome; Little rock
Barkley		Boy	From the Birch tree meadow; Where birches grow; Woodland clearing
Alijah		Boy	The Lord is my God
Gabriele		Boy	God is my strong man; Messenger of God
Basil-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-Ultimate-Guide		Boy	Royal; Kingly; Brave
Samuele		Boy	Name of God; God has heard
Samarth		Boy	Capable; Competent; Powerful
Devin		Unisex	Poet; Fawn; Divine; Seer; Fortune teller
Salem-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Variations		Boy	Safe; Sound; Intact; Complete; Peaceful
Saleem		Boy	Safe; Sound; Intact
Desmond		Boy	One from South Munster
Rui		Boy	Famous ruler; Fortress; Kind; Sympathy; Flow
Ruhan		Unisex	Spiritual; Kind-hearted; Fame; Wolf; Yahweh is gracious
Albion		Boy	White; Bright
Rossi		Unisex	Red-haired; Red; Famous type
Grant		Boy	Large; Tall; Big; Great
Aksel		Boy	My father is peace
Grey		Boy	Gray-haired; Pleasing; Welcome; Brindled coloration
Rion		Boy	Little king; Kingly; Someone who is like a king; Water; Reason; Logic
Gustas		Girl	Majestic; Amazing
Guto		Boy	A strong chief; A person who has the ability to lead a group with management
Gwion		Boy	Fair; Blessed; A person who is devoted to God or a religious reason; Consecrated
Remus-Baby-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning-And-Popularity		Boy	Twin
Reef-Name-Meaning:-A-Comprehensive-Guide-To-History-And-More		Boy	Coral; Rock; Rib
Hamid:-Meaning,-Origin,-Variations,-And-Complete-Name-Guide		Boy	To praise; Praiseworthy
Raven		Unisex	A black bird; Dark-haired; Wise
Hammad		Boy	Praiseworthy
Rahil-Name:-Your-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Trends,-And-Traits		Boy	Traveller; Ewe
Bernie:-Complete-Guide-To-Its-Meaning,-History,-And-Popularity		Girl	Strong Bear; Brave bear; Bringing victory
Piran		Boy	Black: Old; Aged; Ancient
Advait		Boy	Unique; Not dual
Pasha-Name-Meaning:-Your-Complete-Guide-To-Origin-And-History		Girl	Small; Humble; Chief
Ozan		Boy	A bard
Adamas-Baby-Name:-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Pronunciation,-Meaning-&-More		Unisex	Unconquerable; Invincible; Diamond
Acer		Boy	Happy; Blessed
Bobi		Boy	Bright fame
Abid-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity:-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Flame; Worshipper; Devout; Admirer; Adorer
Abe		Boy	Father of many; Father of nations; High father; Noble; Bright; Father's exalted
Hudhayfah		Boy	An ancient Arabic name
Nayel		Unisex	Brave; Winner; Share; Accomplisher
Bray		Boy	Border; Hillside
Nahom-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Popularity-&-Pronunciation		Boy	Comforter
Muad:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity		Unisex	Protected; Supported
Muaaz		Boy	Protected; Guarded
Morris		Boy	Dark-skinned; North African; Moorish; Dark; Swarthy
Mirza		Boy	A nobleman with a high rank; A respected person; Prince; Commander
Mikel		Boy	Who is like God
Irtaza		Unisex	Favorite; Likable; Satisfied
Busby		Unisex	Dweller near the bushy area; Homestead
Caelen		Boy	Slender; Narrow; Fine; Victorious people
Marcellus:-Origin,-Meaning,-And-History---A-Complete-Guide		Boy	Dedicated to Mars; Roman God of war
Danial		Boy	God is my judge
Lukasz		Boy	Illumination; Light
Lotan		Boy	Hidden; Covering; Veil
Daley		Girl	An assembly
Lewi		Unisex	Joined; Attached
Levente		Boy	Will be
Jaxen-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-Your-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Jack's son; God is gracious; Supplanter
Cezary		Boy	Variant of Caesar; Hairy and cut out of womb
Kyree		Boy	Benevolent; Noble lord or lady
Kory		Unisex	Maiden; Daughter; In a hollow; In a cauldron
Cyril		Boy	Lord; Master
Korey-Name:-A-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Meaning,-Popularity-&-More		Boy	In a cauldron or hollow
Keagan-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-History,-Pronunciation-&-More		Unisex	Son of Aodhagán; Fiery
Kaysan		Boy	One who is very wise; Smart; Clever
Kameron-Name-Meaning-&-Origin:-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Crooked nose
Codi		Boy	Descendant of the helpful one
Kairon		Unisex	Black
Joris		Boy	Farmer; Spring season
Jules		Unisex	Downy-bearded; Youth; Youthful
Jacqueline-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity-In-2025		Girl	Supplanter; May God protect; Holder of the heel
Siobhan-Name-Origin,-Meaning,-And-Popularity:-Complete-Guide		Girl	God is gracious
Shivani		Girl	Hindu goddess Parvati; Kind; Auspicious
Sharon-Baby-Name-Complete-Guide:-Meaning,-Origin-&-More		Girl	Plain land; A fertile plain; From the land of Sharon
Sham-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Complete-Guide		Boy	Sun; Tranquil; Evening; Dark; The Levant
Sariah-Name-Meaning,-Origin-&-Popularity:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Girl	Princess; Yahweh is ruler
Samiya		Girl	Elevated; Sublime; Supreme
Samaira		Girl	Companion in evening talk; Enchanting
Susannah-Name-Meaning,-Origin-And-History:-Ultimate-Guide		Girl	Lily; Lotus; Rose
Suzie-Name-Meaning:-A-Complete-Guide-To-Origin-And-History		Girl	Lily; Rose; Lotus
Rubi		Girl	Ruby; Red stone; Lapis lazuli
Rosabelle		Girl	As beautiful as a rose
Romany		Boy	He who is from Rome; Romani--the European nomadic group of people
Reyah		Unisex	Fragrance; Triumph; Strength
Reema		Girl	A narrow, elongated opening or fissure; An epithet of Goddess Durga; White antelope
Ranya-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-Popularity,-Nicknames,-and-More		Girl	To gaze or look at
Rameen		Girl	Peace; Joy; Loyal; Obedient
Tanya-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-Variations-&-Popularity-In-2025		Girl	Fairy queen; Honorable
Rafaela		Girl	God has healed
Porsha-Name-Meaning:-A-Complete-Origin-And-Popularity-Guide		Girl	Pig
Tilda		Girl	Strength in battle
Myrah-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity		Girl	Myrrh; Wished for a child; Sea of bitterness
Mylie		Girl	Gracious; Dear; Soldier
Miray		Girl	Commander; Moon; Month; Glowing like a moon
Marceline-Name-Meaning-And-History:-A-Complete-Guide		Girl	A young warrior; Dedicated to Mars

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