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
Kalia		Boy	Flower wreath; Waited for; Beloved; One who is blackish; Beautiful
Kani		Girl	Sound; Maiden
Karima		Girl	Giving and generous; Noble
Kayal		Unisex	Lake; Fish
Kaylah		Girl	Who is like God; Pure
Keila		Girl	Citadel; Fort; Pure; Crown of laurels
Khiara		Unisex	Black; Clear; Bright; Famous
Kim-Name-Meaning:-Origins,-History,-And-Popularity-Expert-Guide		Boy	Leader of the men; Leader of the warriors; Gold; Woodland clearing of the royal fortress
Kiyah		Unisex	Mine; King; The cooing of a bird
Kiyana		Girl	Light; Deity; Queen
Kristyna		Girl	Christian; Follower of Christ
Krystyna		Girl	Christian; Follower of the Christ; Anointed
Kyanna-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Nicknames-&-Popularity		Unisex	Divine; Goddesslike; Silk-like material; Enduring
Kyara		Girl	Bright; Famous; Black
Lacy		Girl	From Lassy; Cheerful
Latifa-Name-Meaning:-All-You-Need-To-Know		Girl	Gentle and kind
Latoya		Girl	The victorious one; Guardian; Protection
Lauryn		Boy	From Laurentum; Laurel
Layna		Girl	Truthful; Torch; Handsome; Little rock
Leala		Girl	Night; Loyal; Faithful; Weary
Lenka-Baby-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Unique-Insights		Girl	Torch; Bright shining light; Of Magdala; Tower
Leoni		Boy	Lion
Lesley		Unisex	Garden of holly; From the gray fortress
Lexy-Name-Meaning:-Origins,-Variants-&-Popularity-Explained		Girl	Defending men; Helper; Defender
Leyna		Girl	Torch; Moon; Of Magdala; Tower
Lilou		Girl	From the flower name Lily; My God is an oath; Famous in battle
Livie-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity:-Complete-Guide		Girl	Olive tree; Envious; Blue
Lolah		Unisex	Brave
Lorella		Girl	Laurel
Lumi		Girl	Snow; Glow; Light; Gentle manner
Lylie-Name-Meaning:-What-You-Need-To-Know		Girl	My God is an oath
Maaria		Girl	The Sea of sorrow
Maddi-Name-Complete-Guide:-Popularity,-Variations-&-More		Unisex	Donation; Mother; Sea of bitterness; Wished for child
Magda		Girl	From Magdala; Tower
Mahirah		Girl	Skilled; Competent
Maimouna		Girl	She who is under divine protection
Maizy		Girl	Pearl
Malaysia		Girl	To run; To go fast
Malwina		Girl	Smooth brow; Friend; Soft; A variant form of Melvina
Manon		Girl	Beloved; Wished for child
Maple		Girl	Maple tree
Maraya		Girl	Raft; Star of the sea; Rebellious; Beloved
Marci-Name-Meaning:-Complete-Guide-To-Origin,-History-&-Trends		Girl	Male; Of Mars; Warlike; Roman God Mars
Masa		Boy	Elegant; Graceful; Prosperous; True
Maude		Girl	Mighty in battle
Maysie		Girl	Pearl
Meesha		Girl	Beautiful; Pretty; Livelihood; Living
Melany		Girl	Black; Dark
Meta		Girl	Pearl; Beyond;
Mhari		Girl	Darling; Much loved one
Milli-Name-Meaning,-History-&-Popularity:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Girl	Gentle strength; Brave and strong; A youth employed in religious services; Cornfield; In between; Middle
Mirela-Baby-Name:-Essential-Guide-To-Meaning-&-Pronunciation		Girl	An admired person; Most admirable; To admire
Mishel		Unisex	Who is like God
Muminah		Girl	Feminine believer
Muqadas		Unisex	Sacred; Sanctified
Musfirah		Unisex	Light; Glowing face; White
Myleigh		Unisex	Gracious; Dear; Soldier
Nadiya		Girl	Hopeful
Naeema-Baby-Name:-Guide-To-Popularity,-Variations,-And-More		Girl	Tranquil; Happy; At ease; Pleasantness
Nandini-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-Popularity-&-More:-Ultimate-Guide		Girl	One who brings joy; Delight; Daughter; Goddess Parvati; Divine mother
Nathalia		Girl	Birthday; Christmas day; Birthday of the Lord
Nazifa-Name-Guide-2025:-Meaning,-Popularity-&-Pronunciation		Girl	Honest; Virtuous
Neda		Girl	Sunday; Call; Proclaim
Nephele		Girl	Cloud or mass of clouds
Neyla		Unisex	Gracious; Successful one; Attainer; Achiever
Nidhi-Name-Meaning-And-History:-What-You-Need-To-Know		Boy	Treasury; Reservoir; Storehouse
Nilah-Baby-Name:-Meaning,-Origin,-Popularity-&-Unique-Insights		Girl	Water hyacinth; Moon; Dark blue; Indigo
Noelia		Girl	Christmas
Non		Unisex	Nun; Saintly woman
Nurah-Baby-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Pronunciation-&-Popularity		Girl	Light; Radiance; Divine light
Olina		Girl	Ancestor's descendant; Blessed; Sacred; Joy
Otilia		Girl	Heritage; Wealth; Fortune
Pakeeza		Girl	Chaste; Unblemished; Pure
Pamela		Girl	All honey; All sweetness
Peace		Girl	Tranquility
Peri		Girl	A fairy; A fruit
Petal		Girl	A part of a flower's blossom
Pollie		Girl	Sea of Bitterness; Rebelliousness; Wished for child; To swell; A diminutive of Mary
Purity-Baby-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-Popularity-&-Expert-Insights		Girl	Innocence; Freedom from immorality
Radha		Girl	Success; Prosperity; Lover of Lord Krishna
Raena		Girl	Queen; Rain; Happy; Willing
Raia		Girl	Friend; Queen; Rose
Raniya		Girl	Looking at; To gaze; Delightful; Agreeable
Reeya		Girl	Singer; Melody; Goddess Lakshmi
Ridhi		Unisex	Prosperity; Success; Fortune; Abundance; Power
Rima-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-Comprehensive-Guide		Girl	White antelope; Advantage; Flax; To calm down; To quieten; Beloved; Goddess Durga
Risha		Girl	Feather; Plume; Quill; Sage; Saintly; Divine worshipper
Riyanshi		Girl	Cheerful
Romee		Girl	From Rome; Roman
Romeesa:-Pronunciation,-Popularity,-And-Numerology-Guide		Girl	A woman with heaven's beauty
Roslyn		Girl	Beautiful rose; Gentle horse
Roxane		Girl	Bright; Shining
Royalty		Unisex	King; Royal status
Rubina		Girl	Ruby; Red stone; To flow; Beautiful; Apple tree
Ruhika		Unisex	Desire; Ascending
Ruwaida		Girl	Forbearing; Gentle
Rya		Girl	Vision; Dream; To flow; Singer
Sabella-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity-Trends-For-2025		Girl	My God is an oath
Sachi		Boy	Happiness; Good luck; Wife of Indra; Speech; Eloquence; Energy; Power; Strength; Pious act; Devotion; Friendship; Intimacy
Saisha		Unisex	Granter of wishes

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