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
Link-Baby-Name:-Meaning,-History-&-Popularity-In-2025		Boy	Lake colony; Name of an English city
Nimrod-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-and-History:-The-Complete-Guide		Boy	Rebel; A mighty hunter before the Lord
Seerat		Girl	One with inner beauty; Fame; Path; Way; Conduct; Wisdom
Ayzah		Unisex	Gold moon; Returning; Visitor
Sabiha		Girl	Morning; Beautiful; Graceful
Baani		Girl	Another name of Goddess Saraswati; Style; Verge; Eloquent; Speech
Madinah		Boy	One who is happy and delighted; Glad; Joyful and Cheerful
Basma		Girl	Smile
Bayan		Boy	Rich; Wealth; To elucidate; Tiger
Althea		Girl	Healing; Someone with the power of healing
Mishka-Name-Meaning,-History,-Popularity-&-Pronunciation		Unisex	Who is like God; Gift of God; Gift of love; Niche for light
Ruqaya		Girl	Ascent; Spell; Charm
Amaiyah		Girl	Beautiful princess
Briony-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-History-&-Pronunciation-Guide		Girl	Climbing plant; To swell
Bronwyn-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-Complete-Guide		Girl	White Raven; Fair breast
Charleigh-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity:-Complete-Guide		Girl	Little strong and free woman
Cheryl		Girl	Beloved; Dear; Cherry fruit; Precious stone
Lujain		Girl	Silver
Monae		Unisex	Home; Rich protection
Ashlyn		Girl	Dream; Vision; Ash tree clearing
Loretta-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-History-&-Key-Insights		Girl	Laurel grove
Mirabel		Girl	Wonderful; Marvelous; Astonishing; Admirable; Extraordinary; Remarkable; Amazing
Cleopatra-Name-Meaning:-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Origin-&-History		Girl	Glory of the father
Clio		Boy	Glory; Famous; Celebrate; Recount
Lora		Girl	Laurel
Mahreen		Girl	Love; Kindness; Sun
Minsa		Girl	Beloved; Cherished
Cressida		Girl	Golden
Dayna		Girl	Collection of the best and the most beautiful; He judged
Reyna		Girl	Counsel; Queen
Sameeha		Girl	A generous blessing from Allah; Gracious; Forbearing; Forgiving
Tamsin		Girl	Twin
Yael		Boy	Mountain goat; Ibex
Tania		Girl	Fairy queen
Leora		Girl	I have light; Light unto me; My light; Light is mine
Maisa		Girl	Beloved; Graceful; Dance; Sand
Elayna		Girl	Torch; Corposant; Moon; Shining
Leandra		Girl	Lion-like
Arayah		Unisex	Song; Melody; Noble; Respected; Lion
Maylee		Girl	The month of May
Ellora		Girl	Name for cave temples in India; God is my light
Maymuna		Girl	Auspicious, Blessed
Elowyn		Unisex	Elm tree
Elza-Name-Meaning-And-History:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Girl	My God is an oath; My God is help
Menna		Girl	Favor; Grace
Lavin-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	White
Afiyah		Girl	Health
Era		Girl	Wind or air; Hero; Peace
Lani		Girl	Sky; Heaven; Royal; Hope; Wool; Lion
Ezri		Boy	My helper
Fajr		Unisex	Dawn; Beginning
Fariha		Girl	A woman who is happy and joyful
Fay		Girl	A fairy-like woman; Magical; Enchanted
Anni-Name-Meaning:-Guide-To-Popularity,-Nicknames-&-Traits		Girl	God is gracious; Graced with God's favor; Graceful; Favored
Sansa		Girl	Praising; Commending
Amelle		Unisex	Hope; Longing; Aspiration
Freda		Girl	Peaceful
Perla		Girl	Sea mollusk gem
Adanna		Girl	Eldest daughter of father
Guinevere		Girl	White phantom; Gentle queen
Kya		Girl	Pure
Ameya		Boy	One without any dirt; Pure; Innocent; Boundless; Magnanimous; Midnight rain
Tiggy		Girl	Opposing opinions; Like offspring
Karla		Girl	Strong; Womanly; Free woman; Peasant; Little and strong
Karis		Girl	Grace; Love; Kindness
Snow		Unisex	Snow; Fair-skinned
Jess		Unisex	To behold; To see before; God beholds; Gift of God; God exists
Mikaela		Girl	Who is like God
Heba		Girl	The Gift of God; Generous Gift; Blessing
Kaci		Girl	Vigilant
Yvonne-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-History,-And-Complete-Guide		Girl	Yew tree; Archer
Zahrah		Girl	Blooming flower; To shine
Valencia		Unisex	Strength; Vigor
Katya		Girl	Pure; Each of the two; Torture
Izzah		Unisex	Powerful
Ivanna		Girl	God is gracious
Mei		Girl	Beautiful; Chinese plum
Rey		Boy	King; Female roe deer
Klayton		Boy	Clay settlement
Harland-Name-Meaning-And-History:-Origin-&-Popularity-Trends		Boy	Hare land
Vince		Boy	Conquering; To conquer
Jediah		Boy	God knows everything in this world; Praise of Yahweh
Aryeh		Boy	Lion; Lion of God; Greatest achievement
Lucan		Boy	From the city of Lucania; To close
Andres		Boy	Manly; Valiant
Mael		Boy	Chief; Prince
Mateus		Boy	God's gift
Kayhan		Unisex	Morning star; Ruler
Dudley		Boy	Dudda's clearing
Ehan-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity:-A-Complete-Guide		Boy	Full moon; Something expected
Tim		Unisex	One who honors God
Jaydan		Boy	God will judge; Thankful
Muzammil		Boy	Prophet Muhammad; The enshrouded one; Bundled
Advik-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-History-&-Popularity-Guide		Boy	Unique; Matchless
Xavi-Name-Meaning:-Everything-You-Need-To-Know		Unisex	The new house
Braylon-Name-Full-Guide:-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity		Boy	Broad valley; Hill; Salmon
Ely		Boy	Ascension; My god is Yahweh
Blaise		Girl	Stammerer; Lisping
Naksh		Boy	The moon; Facial features; Engraved; Imprinted
Adonai		Boy	My lord; My master

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