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
Browse Top Baby Names by Year
| Name | Gender | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  Girl | Maiden; Girl; Daughter | |
| | Boy | Man; Manly; Brave; Strength; Warrior | |
| | Girl | Oath of God | |
| | Boy | God's spear; Deer's friend | |
| | Girl | Light | |
| | Boy | To descend; To flow down | |
| | Girl | Gazelle | |
| | Girl | Help; Benefit | |
| | Boy | Ascending; Red-haired | |
| | Boy | Cauldron; Curly-haired; Maiden | |
| | Boy | Loving companion; From the wetlands; Warrior | |
| | Boy | Handsome; Little rock | |
| | Girl | To live; To breathe | |
| | Girl | Bitter; Lost lost child; Humble | |
| | Boy | A Christian; Follower of Jesus Christ | |
| | Girl | Nobility; Kind; Noble; Protected by God | |
| | Girl | Night beauty; Delicate; Night | |
| | Boy | Peaceful ruler | |
| | Girl | To open | |
| | Boy | Flourishing; Long-lived; Wealthy; Famous; Eloquent; Gifted | |
| | Boy | A bird that gets reborn from ashes; Dark red; Excellent person | |
| | Girl | The very first rose | |
| | Girl | Precious; A gem of the sea | |
| | Boy | God has remembered; God remembers | |
| | Girl | Of Magdala | |
| | Boy | Mire; Muddy place; Ditch; Second son | |
| | Boy | Bowman | |
| | Girl | Grace; Favored by God | |
| | Girl | Mother; Greater; Dame; Foster mother | |
| | Girl | Rock; Army ruler; Manor; Hall | |
| | Boy | Man from Hadria | |
| | Boy | Illumination; Light | |
| | Girl | Prosperous in battle; Riches | |
| | Boy | God is gracious | |
| | Boy | Winner or conqueror | |
| | Boy | Gift of God | |
| | Girl | Honey; Bee | |
| | Boy | Yahweh remembers; God remembers | |
| | Girl | Rival; Universal; Great | |
| | Girl | Torch; Shining light; Fair; Delicate; Noble; Bright | |
| | Boy | Rich protector; Rich guard | |
| |  Unisex | Watered; Plentiful; Heaven's flower; Luxuriant | |
| | Girl | Night; Dark beauty; Dark-haired | |
| | Girl | God has given the answer; Sun | |
| | Girl | Dove; Daytime | |
| | Boy | Frenchman; Freeman; Frank | |
| | Girl | Torch; Corposant; Moon; Horn; Affection | |
| | Boy | Son of encouragement; Son of the Prophet; Son of consolation | |
| | Girl | Strong; Vigourous; Healthy | |
| | Boy | Son | |
| | Boy | To hunt; Capture; Huntsmen; Chase | |
| | Girl | Home or land ruler | |
| | Boy | The chosen one; Appointed; Preferred | |
| | Girl | Premature child | |
| | Boy | Jehovah supports | |
| | Girl | Priceless; Praiseworthy | |
| | Boy | Leek town | |
| | Girl | Arrow-maker; People's army | |
| | Boy | God has healed | |
| | Girl | Defender of men; Defender; Helper | |
| | Girl | Beautiful; God is my oath | |
| | Girl | Wisdom | |
| | Boy | River; White jasmine; Village; Center; Thread; Cherry blossom | |
| | Girl | Noble; Alyssum flower | |
| | Unisex | Also means Saint Denis | |
| | Boy | Treasurer | |
| | Girl | Snow; Bright; Radiant; Beauty; Pleasant | |
| | Girl | Most holy; Silver; Melody | |
| | Boy | My angel; Messenger of God | |
| | Girl | Of Athens; Wise; Goddess of war and wisdom | |
| | Girl | God shall grow; Jehovah increases | |
| | Boy | Wisdom; Reason; Chief; Descendant of Conn | |
| | Boy | Strawberry; Name of a place in Scotland | |
| | Boy | Enthusiasm; Ardor | |
| | Girl | Golden; Gilded; The golden one | |
| | Boy | Lion-like; Brave man | |
| | Boy | Mars; God of war; Male; Warlike; Hammer; Defender | |
| | Girl | Life; To breath; To live | |
| | Boy | Belonging to Mars; Roman god of war; Male | |
| | Girl | Gift of God | |
| | Boy | Beauty; Grace | |
| | Girl | Light; Bright; Honor; Dignity; Victorious | |
| | Boy | Red haired; Tawny | |
| | Girl | Pleasant; Restfulness; Calm | |
| | Unisex | Olive tree; Ancestor's descendant; All cautious | |
| | Girl | Most beautiful; Beautiful-voiced; Bearer of the cup; Most lovely | |
| | Boy | Born of the sea; Sea chief | |
| | Boy | Narrows; Channel; Strait | |
| | Boy | Bearing Christ; Pure; Clear | |
| | Boy | Warlike; Dedicated to Mars | |
| | Girl | Friend; Beloved | |
| | Girl | White phantom; Fair lady; Supernatural | |
| | Girl | Small rock; Afloat | |
| | Girl | Lady; Mistress; Leader; Fortunate one | |
| | Unisex | Town with a leek garden; From a meadow farm | |
| | Boy | The god of war; Mars; Dedicated to Mars; Warlike; Male | |
| | Unisex | Someone who is like a river | |
| | Boy | From Laurentum; Laurel | |
| | Girl | Jasmine | |
| | Boy | Defender of mankind | |
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
References
- Baby names in England and Wales: 2017.
https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/livebirths/bulletins/babynamesenglandandwales/2017
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