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
Martino		Boy	The god of war; Mars; Dedicated to Mars; Warlike; Male
Martins		Boy	Of Mars; Warlike; Warrior; Famous counsel
Matia-Name-Meaning:-Guide-To-Origin,-History-&-Variations		Girl	God's gift
Matisse		Girl	God's present; Gift of God
Mehmed-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Complete-Guide		Boy	Praised; Commendable
Menashe		Boy	Reason to forget; Cause for forgetfulness
Mervyn		Boy	Bone marrow; Sea; Eminent; Kind; Someone from the noble family; Sea friend
Messi		Boy	Messenger
Michel		Boy	Who is like God?
Mickael		Boy	Who is like God?
Mihir		Boy	Sun; Moon; Wind; King of all; One who belongs to the Sun family
Mikaal		Unisex	Name for an angel
Millar		Boy	Mill worker; One who grinds grain
Milton-Name-Meaning:-History,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity-(2025)		Boy	Who is from the town of mills; A mill-town
Miraj-Name-Meaning,-Origin-&-Popularity:-Complete-Guide		Boy	The ascent; The inclined path to God; Place of ascent
Mitch		Boy	Who is like God
Mithran		Boy	Sun; The God of light and truth
Mobeen		Boy	Clear; Distinct
Mobin-Baby-Name:-Meaning,-Origin,-Popularity-&-Complete-Guide		Unisex	Distinct; Eloquent; Prominent
Moises-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-Variants,-And-2025-Popularity		Boy	Savior; To pull out of water
Mostafa		Boy	The one chosen among all
Mostyn		Boy	The town of seedless plants
Mouhamed		Boy	The one who is praised the most
Munir-Name-Meaning-&-History:-Everything-You-Need-To-Know		Unisex	Bright; Illuminating
Nader		Boy	Rare
Nahum-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Pronunciation:-A-Complete-Guide		Boy	Comforter; To comfort
Nameer		Unisex	Leopard
Nasser		Boy	Victory-maker; Granter of victory; Helper; Protector; Supporter
Nathaneal		Boy	Gift of God; God has given
Nazareth		Boy	Branch; Guard
Neriah		Girl	Lamp of Yahweh; Lord is my light
Nero		Boy	Black; Stern; Strong; Vigorous
Nethan		Boy	Special talent from God
Nima		Girl	Half moon; Just; Fair; Blessing
Nirvan		Girl	Liberation; Extinguished; Blown out
Niven-Name:-Meaning,-Popularity-&-27-Key-Insights-For-2025		Boy	Little saint; Holy one
Niyan		Boy	A way; Arrival; Access
Noman		Girl	Blood; Red
Noraiz		Unisex	The first ray of Sunlight
Numair		Boy	Panther; Little leopard
Numan		Boy	Red; Blood
Oaklen-Baby-Name-Guide:-Pronunciation,-Nicknames-&-More		Unisex	Oak land
Oberon		Boy	Elf ruler; King of elves; Royal bear
Octave		Boy	Eighth
Odie		Boy	Woad hill; Wealthy; Song
Oluwatobi		Unisex	God is great
Onkar:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Pronunciation-And-Popularity		Boy	God is One; There is only one God
Onyx-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-History,-And-Variations		Unisex	Claw; Nail; Fingernail; Gemstone
Orian		Unisex	Educated In the Bible; Gold
Oriol		Boy	Golden; The best
Oryn		Unisex	Pine tree; Dun-colored; Greyish brown; Tan
Osaze-Name-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity-Guide		Girl	Favored by God
Osias		Boy	Salvation; God saves
Ossie		Boy	God; Salvation; God's spear; Mighty God
Pacey		Unisex	Of Easter
Padraig		Boy	Nobleman
Panth:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Pronunciation,-&-Popularity		Boy	A road; An Indian religious path established by a religious leader
Pavit		Boy	Sacred; Pure
Paxton		Unisex	Peaceful town
Pharaoh		Boy	Great house
Piers		Boy	Rock; Stone
Pieter		Boy	Rock; another form of Peter
Pinchos		Boy	A prophecy or an oracle
Pippin		Boy	A boy who inspires awe; Traveller
Plamen		Boy	Flame; Fire
Pranay		Boy	Love; Affection; Leader; Guidance
Prayag		Boy	The confluence of rivers
Prayan		Boy	Progress; March; Departure
Priyansh		Boy	The dearest part; Part of one's beloved
Raahil		Boy	One who departs for a journey; Traveler; Guide; Ewe
Rae		Boy	Ewe; Female sheep; Son of Rath; Grace
Rafa		Girl	God's healer; Well-being; A name bestowed on Allah
Rahat		Boy	Rest; Comfort; Peace of mind
Raihaan		Boy	Fragrant
Rainer		Boy	Advice; Counsel; Army
Ramin		Boy	Peace; Joy
Ramzi		Boy	Sign; Mark; Symbol; Gesture; Reserved; Demure; Quiet
Ramzy		Boy	Sign; Mark; Symbol; Gesture; Reserved; Demure; Quiet
Ranell		Boy	He sang; God is singing
Rashaad		Boy	Good sense or guidance; Right path or religion
Rashed		Boy	Rightly guided
Ratu		Girl	Queen
Rawa-Baby-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-Complete-Guide		Unisex	Satisfaction with drink; Refreshing water
Raydon		Boy	One who was born to counsel; Sunshine; Protecting hands; Thunder
Reagen		Boy	From the name Regan, meaning little king
Reda		Unisex	Contentment; Satisfaction
Redmond		Boy	Wise protector; Counselor; Mighty advisor
Redwan		Boy	Satisfaction; Contentment; Pleasure
Remiah-Baby-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Popularity,-Nicknames-In-2025		Unisex	Beautiful love; Affectionate; Astute
Renato:-Complete-Guide-To-Origin,-Meaning,-And-History		Boy	Born Again; Reborn; Rebirth
Renell		Boy	A Boy who was born again
Reno		Boy	King of light; Dark-skinned; Reborn
Reu-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	A friend of his; Shepard
Reuel-Name-Meaning:-A-Comprehensive-Guide-For-Parents		Boy	God's friend
Reyhan		Girl	Basil; Fragrance
Reyon		Unisex	Regal; Majestic; Powerful
Rheon-Name:-Ultimate-Guide-To-Pronunciation,-Popularity-&-More		Unisex	King; Ruler; Current; Flowing
Rhian		Girl	Maiden; Young woman
Rhun		Boy	Grand; Legendary son of Beli
Ridhwan		Boy	Satisfaction; Contentment

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