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
Saja		Girl	A calm and tranquil person; Lion
Samirah		Girl	Companion in evening talk; Wind; Air
Samiyah		Girl	Elevated; Sublime; Supreme; Exalted
Sanayah-Name:-Complete-Pronunciation-&-Popularity-Guide		Unisex	Old; Ancient; Long-lasting; Linger
Santina		Girl	A little saint
Sarya-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Girl	A pious woman; Night cloud; Princess
Savana		Girl	Hearing; Flowing; Solar; Sacrificial libation; The moon; Name of varuna
Saya		Girl	Shelter; Shadow
Seanna		Girl	God is gracious
Sehej		Unisex	Peaceful; Calm
Serah-Name-Meaning,-Origin-&-Popularity:-2025-Complete-Guide		Girl	Abundance
Seraphine		Girl	Order of fiery angels; Burning ones
Shana		Girl	Beautiful; Lily; Rose
Shaniyah-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Girl	On my way; Lily; Rose
Shanvi		Unisex	Glowing; Attractive; Goddess Lakshmi
Sharan		Boy	Shelter; Refuge; Plain; Glean; Line
Sheila-Name-Meaning,-History,-And-Popularity:-Complete-Guide		Unisex	Heavenly; Blind
Shirley		Girl	Bright meadow
Shivya		Unisex	Devoted to Lord Shiva
Shree		Boy	Respectable
Siaana		Girl	She who is wise and knoweldgable
Silva		Unisex	Wood; Forest
Starr		Unisex	Star
Stefani-Name-in-2025:-27-Key-Insights-Into-Meaning-&-Popularity		Girl	Crown; Wreath
Suha		Girl	Forgotten; Overlooked; Invisible star of a constellation
Sukaina-Name-Meaning:-Guide-To-Origin-&-Popularity		Girl	Calmness; Peace;
Taja		Unisex	Crown; Fresh
Talisha-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-Complete-Guide		Girl	Nobility; Lucky; Successful; Little girl; Young girl
Tamanna		Girl	Wish; Desire;
Tamia		Girl	Date palm; Chipmunk; Many beautiful children
Taqwa		Girl	Piety; Devotion
Temperance		Girl	Restraint; Moderation
Tereza		Girl	To harvest
Tiaraoluwa		Girl	From the body of God
Tisha		Girl	Joy; Happiness
Truly		Girl	Faithfully; Honestly; A person who always speaks the truth; In a truthful way
Tulsi-Name-Meaning-And-History:-Your-Complete-Guide		Boy	Sacred plant; Holy basil
Tyanna-Name-Meaning-&-Popularity-in-2025:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Girl	Disciple or devotee of Jesus Christ
Umayma		Girl	Little mother; Origin; Source
Uzma		Girl	Grand; Greatest; Supreme; Ultimate; Lofty
Vaishnavi-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity:-Complete-Guide		Girl	Belonging to Vishnu; All-pervasive
Virginia		Girl	A virgin; Maid
Vita-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-Comprehensive-Guide		Girl	Life; Victory
Viyona		Unisex	Sky
Yasna		Unisex	Prayer; Worship; Supplication; White rose; Clearly; Obviously
Yulia-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-History-&-Popularity-Guide		Boy	Downy-bearded
Zenia-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Girl	Hospitality; Life of Zeus
Zulekha		Unisex	Brilliant beauty; Bright and fair
Zyana		Girl	Gift of God; Forever
Aabid		Boy	Devout; Adorer; Worshipper
Aaden		Boy	Fire; Little fire
Aaliyan		Boy	Highly; Lofty; Sublime; Exalted
Aanav-Name-Meaning,-Popularity-&-Nicknames:-Complete-Guide		Boy	Humane; Fine; Minute
Aarian-Name:-Meaning,-Pronunciation,-Popularity-&-More		Unisex	Noble; Most holy
Aarif		Boy	Wise; Knowledgeable; Expert
Aariv		Boy	King of wisdom; Rainforest
Aashir-Name-Meaning-Guide:-Origin,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity		Boy	Alive; Living; Joyful; Fire; Sun; Diamond; Consumer of sacrifices
Abdulahi		Boy	God's servant
Abdulkadir		Boy	Servant of the capable
Abdulmalik		Boy	King's servant
Abdulrahim		Boy	Follower of the merciful
Abdulsalam		Boy	Servant of the all-peaceable
Abeer		Boy	Fragrance; Strong; Mighty
Abhimanyu		Boy	One with self-respect; To long for; To desire
Achim		Boy	Yahweh will establish
Ademola		Boy	The crown is with wealth
Adom		Boy	Made from earth; Red; Man
Adonay		Unisex	My Lord
Adonijah		Girl	My lord is Yahweh
Advaith		Boy	One who has no duplicate; Non-duality; Unity
Adyaan-Baby-Name-Complete-Guide:-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-More		Boy	Sun
Afon		Unisex	A river, a stream, or water
Agasthya		Boy	The Canopus star
Aitor		Boy	Good fathers
Akbar		Boy	The greatest
Akhil		Boy	World; Whole; Perfect; Entire; Complete
Akim		Boy	God will establish; Raised by Yahweh
Akshat		Boy	Unhurt; Uninjured; Maiden
Alazar		Unisex	My God is help
Albin-Name:-Comprehensive-Meaning,-Origin-&-Popularity		Boy	White; Bright
Alexi-Name-Meaning:-Guide-To-Origin,-History-&-Nicknames		Girl	Defender or helper of the people
Alexios		Boy	Defender; Helper
Alhaji		Boy	An honorific title of a pilgrim
Alif		Boy	Friend; Associate; Kind
Alihan		Boy	Ruler; Leader; Gift of God
Alireza		Unisex	Exalted; High; Sublime
Alister		Boy	Defender of mankind
Aloysius		Boy	A strong and famous warrior; Famous in battle
Alwyn-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-History-&-Popularity-In-2025		Boy	Wise friend; Elf friend; River Alwen
Amaury		Boy	Unceasing; Brave; Vigorous
Amaziah-Name-Meaning-And-History:-Complete-Baby-Name-Guide		Boy	One who has the strength of God; Yahweh strengthens
Amit-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Infinite; immeasurable; Boundless; Friend; Colleague
Amrik		Boy	One who is filled with sweet nectar; Celestial God
Amro		Boy	To live long; By my life; Thrive
Anashe		Unisex	God is with me
Anastasios		Girl	Resurrection; Rise of the dead person
Andon		Boy	Form of Antonius
Andrej		Boy	Masculine; Manly; Courageous; Virility
Andrzej		Boy	Male; Manly; Brave; Virility; A variant of the name Andrew and Andreas
Aneirin		Boy	Honor; Esteem; Dignity

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