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
Anh		Unisex	Flower; Brave; Hero; Reflect light
Anil		Boy	The God of the wind and air
Ansel-Meaning:-Expert-Guide-To-History-&-Popularity		Boy	Divine protection; Helmet
Arel		Unisex	Lion of God
Arlan-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-Complete-Guide		Boy	Pledge; Oath
Arta		Unisex	Golden; Good; Pious; Bear king
Arto		Boy	Stone; Bear; Thor; The eagle; A variant of the name Arthur
Arwin		Boy	White; Fair; Blessed; People's friend
Asen		Boy	Name of a Bulgarian king
Ashan		Unisex	Fortunate; Blessed
Ashraf		Boy	Honorable; Nobler; Noble; Kind; Excellent
Asil-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-Popularity:-Complete-Guide		Boy	Noble; Evening time; Nighttime; Original; Deep-rooted
Aster		Girl	Star; Starry night; Star maiden; Flower
Ata		Boy	Gift; One of the twins; Ancestor; Predecessor; You
Atharva		Boy	One of names of Lord Ganesha; Knower of the Vedas; Knowledgeable one
Atif		Boy	Affection; Kindness; Compassion
Attila-Name-Meaning-&-History:-A-Complete-Guide		Boy	Little father
Augustine		Boy	To increase; Venerable; Great
Auryn		Unisex	Gold; Golden haired; Golden one
Avyan		Boy	One who has no imperfections; Beginning
Ayham		Boy	Strong-willed; Brave
Ayhan		Boy	King of the moon
Azai		Unisex	Strength
Azari		Girl	Virgin; Maiden; God has helped; Shining; Bright
Azrael-Baby-Name:-Meaning,-History,-Nicknames-&-Variations		Unisex	Name of an angel; My help is God
Baden		Boy	Son of Bade
Baptiste		Boy	Baptist; To dip
Barry-Name-Meaning,-Origin-&-Popularity:-Ultimate-Guide		Boy	Fair-headed; Spear; Sharp
Bartek		Boy	Son of Talmai
Beaux		Boy	Handsome; Beautiful
Benjamim		Boy	Son of the south; Son of the right hand
Biel-Baby-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Pronunciation,-And-More		Boy	God can be found in strong men
Blaize-Name-Meaning:-A-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Origins-&-Traits		Boy	Stammer; Lisp; Bright fire; Hot; Glowing fire; Torch
Bob		Boy	A short form of Robert; Bright; Famous
Brad-Name-Meaning:-A-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Origin-&-Popularity		Boy	Wide; Broad
Brae		Boy	Broad; Slope of a hill
Brennan		Boy	Rain; Moisture; Drop
Burak		Boy	Lightning
Camilo		Boy	Religious attendant; Priest's helper; Noble
Can		Boy	Soul; Life; Darling
Cass		Boy	A curly-haired person; Keeper of the treasure; Clever
Cesar-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-Everything-You-Need-To-Know		Boy	Long-haired; Head of hair; Emperor
Chae		Unisex	Man; Army; Collect
Charlee-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-Complete-Guide		Girl	Free person
Ciprian		Boy	From Cyprus
Creed-Baby-Name-Ultimate-Guide:-Meaning,-Origin-&-Popularity		Boy	I believe; To believe
Cynan		Boy	A noble Chief
Daniele-Name-Meaning:-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Origin-And-History		Girl	God is my judge
Daya		Girl	Compassion; Mercy; Bird of prey
Dayyan		Boy	A strong and brave ruler
Deegan		Boy	A black-haired person
Demian-Baby-Name:-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Meaning-&-More		Boy	To tame; Master; Conquer
Dermot		Boy	Without envy
Derry		Unisex	Without envy
Deven		Unisex	Descendant of Damhán; Calf; Fawn; Little dark one; Lord of gods
Devran		Unisex	Whirling
Devyn		Unisex	Poet; Young deer; Fawn; Little dark one
Diesel		Boy	People; Gift of God
Dimitris		Girl	Follower of Demeter; Earth mother
Diogo-Name-Meaning,-Origin-&-Popularity:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Teacher; Saint; Supplanter
Django		Boy	Awaken; God is gracious
Draven		Boy	Hunter; Child of shadows; Of the raven
Edis		Girl	Prosperity
Edouard		Boy	Rich guard
Edwyn		Boy	Rich friend
Ehsaan		Boy	Kindness; Graciousness; Generosity
Ekamjot		Girl	God's light; Brightness; Radiance of God
Elham-Baby-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	A beautiful inspiration
Eliseo		Boy	God is salvation
Emran		Boy	Exalted nation
Enea-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Complete-Guide		Boy	Praise
Ensar		Boy	Helpers; Supporters; Advocates
Erol		Boy	Brave
Ethen		Boy	Enduring; Firm; Strong
Ettore		Boy	Holding fast
Evangelos		Girl	Messenger who brings good news
Ezriel-Name-Meaning-And-History:-A-Comprehensive-Guide-For-2025		Boy	My help is God
Fabien		Boy	Bean farmer
Fares		Boy	A knight; Horseman;
Filippos		Boy	A person who is friendly with horses
Finnick		Boy	A person from Fenwick; Marshland farm
Firas		Unisex	Skilled rider; Skilled horseman; Fierce as a lion; Perceptive
Flavio-Name-Meaning:-Complete-Guide-To-Pronunciation-&-Origins		Girl	Blond or light-haired; Golden-haired
Fredric		Boy	Peaceful ruler
Furqan:-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Origin,-Meaning,-And-Popularity		Boy	Proof; Criterion to distinguish right and wrong
Gabor		Boy	God is my strong man; Man of God; Champion of God
Gaspard		Boy	Treasurer; Bringer of wealth
Gennaro		Boy	January; Roman God Janus; Archway
Georges		Girl	Farmer; Earthworker
Gheorghe		Boy	Occupational name; Farmer
Gordon		Boy	Fertilized pasture; Spacious fort
Gunnar-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-Key-Insights		Boy	Bold warrior
Gunner		Boy	Army warrior
Gurdit		Boy	One born with guru's blessing
Gurman-Baby-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Popularity-&-More		Boy	Hairy; Gourmet; Heart of the Guru
Gurvir		Boy	Guru's strength
Haashim		Boy	Generosity; Kindness; With a bright heart
Han		Boy	Favor; Brave; Leader; Lively; Gesture
Hanif		Boy	True; Upright; Honorable
Hank		Boy	Home ruler; God is gracious

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