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
Iver		Boy	Bow warrior; Army; Yew tree
Iyaad-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-Comprehensive-Guide		Unisex	Generous; To support
Izzy		Unisex	God contends; God is my oath
Jabari		Boy	Almighty; Powerful; Brave one
Jabril-Name-Meaning:-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Origin-&-Popularity		Boy	God is my strong man; God is my hero
Jagraj		Boy	King of the world; Supreme being of the universe; Ruler of the universe
Jaheem		Boy	Dignified; Abyss
Jalal-Baby-Name:-Meaning,-History-&-Popularity-Guide		Boy	Greatness
Jareth		Boy	A gentle one; Descent
Jasnoor		Girl	The light of God
Jaxton		Boy	Son of Jack; God is gracious
Jaydeep		Boy	Light of victory
Jaylon-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	One who remains calm
Jeremi		Boy	Refers to Jeremy
Jiaan		Boy	Strong; Healthy
Jibran		Boy	The reward of God to his parents
Johnson		Boy	Son of John; Yahweh is gracious
Jonatan		Boy	God's gift
Josue-Name-Meaning:-A-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Origin-And-History		Boy	God is my salvation
Joud		Unisex	Generosity; Abundant rain
Jovani-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-History,-Nicknames,-And-Popularity		Boy	Yahweh is gracious; Yahweh is merciful
Joven		Unisex	Youthful; Young
Juke		Boy	Wicked; Disorderly; To dance
Julen:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Pronunciation-And-Popularity		Boy	Downy-bearded; Sky; Shine
Jun		Boy	Pure; Clean; Truth; Talented; Handsome; Ruler; King
Kaamil		Boy	Complete; Perfect
Kacey		Boy	Vigilant; Watchful
Kadeem		Boy	Servant; Attendant; He who controls his anger
Kailash		Boy	A mountain in the Himalayas; Abode of Lord Siva; Crystal
Kaileb		Unisex	Whole heart; Dog
Kainen-Baby-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Popularity-&-Nicknames		Unisex	Ocean explorer or sea wanderer
Kaisen		Unisex	Continuous improvement
Kale-Baby-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Origins-And-Popularity		Boy	Man; Army; Beautiful victory; Cultivator; Slender
Kalen-Name-Meaning,-History,-Popularity:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Slender; Fair
Kallan-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-Comprehensive-Guide-For-Parents		Girl	Powerful in the battle; Swampy area; Priest
Kamali		Boy	Perfection; Lotus; Pale red
Kanishk		Boy	An ancient king; To love; To fulfill
Karamveer		Boy	Enthusiastic hero; A dignified, noble, gracious, and marvellous warrior
Karlis		Boy	Strong and masculine
Karsen-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity:-A-Complete-Guide		Boy	Son of Carr; Thicket; Marsh
Kayani		Unisex	Royal; Princely
Kaylem:-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Meaning,-Pronunciation,-And-More		Unisex	Dove
Kazim		Boy	One who controls his anger
Keano		Unisex	The cool breeze
Keeran-Baby-Name:-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Astrological-Insights		Boy	Stands by his principles
Kellin		Boy	Slender; War
Kelly-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Warrior; Wood; Born on a farm; Bright-headed
Kenton		Boy	Royal town; Town on the river Kenn
Kenzi		Unisex	Handsome; Beautiful; Good
Khalifah		Boy	Steward; Leader
Khan		Boy	King; Prince; Military chief; Ruler
Khyree-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Variations:-Complete-Guide		Boy	Charitable
Kinan		Unisex	Cover; Wrap; Veil
Kingslee		Unisex	King's wood
Kirtan		Boy	Narrating; Announcing; Describing; Praising; Reciting
Koan-Baby-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Popularity-&-Variations		Unisex	To come; To arrive; To encourage; Peaceful; Joyful
Kodey		Boy	Gives a helping hand
Konnor		Boy	Desirer of hound; Lover of wolves
Korbin-Name-Meaning,-History,-And-Origin:-Complete-Guide-2025		Boy	Raven; Dark-haired person
Kovan-Baby-Name-Comprehensive-Guide-For-2025		Unisex	Sad; Worried
Kwame-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-Complete-Guide		Boy	Born on a Saturday
Kyden		Boy	Narrow little fire; Strength; Round; Gentle
Lauchlan		Unisex	Viking; Scandinavian; Land of lakes
Lawa		Boy	He who looks at others in a shy manner
Layland		Boy	One who lived by the unseeded land
Lazar		Boy	God will help
Lemmy-Baby-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity		Boy	Devoted to God
Levy		Boy	One who is joined; Attached
Lincon-Baby-Name-Meaning:-Origin-&-History-Guide		Boy	A town or colony near the lake or pool
Lj		Unisex	Power; Protector; Warrior
Llewellyn-Name-Meaning-And-History:-Everything-You-Need-To-Know		Boy	Leader; Lion; Strong
Locryn		Boy	Cornish form of Locrinus; Name of a region in Southeastern Britain
Lucus		Boy	Light; To shine; From Lucania; Sacred grove
Ludovic		Boy	Famous warrior
Ludwig		Boy	Famous in battle; Famous warrior
Lynden		Unisex	Linden tree
Madoc		Boy	A fortunate one; Good
Mahid		Boy	The one who brings comfort to others
Makaio		Unisex	Gift of God
Makbel-Baby-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Pronunciation,-and-Popularity		Unisex	Hope
Maliki-Baby-Name:-Meaning,-History,-And-Popularity-Trends		Boy	God's messenger; King
Malique		Boy	A king; A master
Manasseh		Boy	Causing to forget something
Manjot		Boy	One who is the light of the heart
Manvir		Boy	One with a brave mind; Brave spirit
Marcello		Boy	Like a hammer; A young warrior; Dedicated to Mars
Marlee		Girl	Pleasant wood; Boundary wood; Marten wood; Marshy meadow;Elderberry tree
Marlie-Name-Meaning:-3-Key-Insights-Into-Its-Origin-And-History		Boy	Pleasant wood; Boundary wood; Mary of Magdala
Marti		Boy	Of Mars; Warlike; Warrior; Famous counsel
Masud		Boy	Fortunate; Lucky; Prosperous
Maxen		Boy	Greatest
Maxi		Girl	Greatest; Supreme; Maximum; Eldest
Mehran		Boy	A kind and affectionate person; Sun
Meshach-Name-Meaning:-Biblical-Origin,-History-&-Popularity		Unisex	Who is what Aku is?
Michail		Boy	Who is like God?
Mikah		Girl	Who is like Yahweh?; Racoon
Mikai		Unisex	Beautiful sea; Who is like God?
Mikyle		Girl	Who is like God?
Mio		Girl	A beautiful cherry blossom
Mohib		Boy	Beloved; Affectionate; Friendly

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