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
Jackie		Girl	God is gracious; Supplanter; Holder of the heel
Jaiya:-Complete-Guide-To-Pronunciation,-Meaning-&-Popularity		Unisex	Victorious; Triumphant
Janaya		Girl	God is gracious
Janka		Girl	God is gracious
Janvi		Girl	Ganga river; Daughter
Jayna		Girl	Bringer of victory; God is gracious
Jenisha		Girl	God is gracious
Juanita		Girl	God is gracious; Yahweh is gracious
Julieta-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-Pronunciation-&-Trends-in-2025		Girl	Youthful; Jove's child; Downy-bearded; Devoted to Jove
Jumanah		Girl	Pearl; Rare stone
Kacy		Girl	Alert; Watchful; Vigilant
Kailani		Girl	Sea; Sky; Heaven; The royal one
Kainat		Girl	All beings and creations; The universe
Kamaiyah-Name-Meaning:-Full-Guide-To-Pronunciation-&-Popularity		Girl	Unique; Confident; Ambitious
Kamelia-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity:-A-Complete-Guide		Girl	Shurb
Karah		Girl	Dear; Beloved; Friend
Karma		Girl	Fate; Destiny; Action; Deed; Fate; Performance
Karmen-Name-Complete-Guide:-Meaning,-Origin,-Variations-&-More		Girl	Fruitful orchard; Garden; Song; Charm; Voice like soft music
Kassandra		Girl	Shining on men; To excel on men
Katalina		Girl	Pure; Each of the two
Katana		Girl	Sword; Single-edged sword; One-sided edge
Katelynn-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-Variations-&-Complete-Guide		Girl	Pure; Clear; Each of the two
Katharine		Girl	The pure one; The clear one; Pure; Clear
Katlyn		Girl	Unsullied; Clean; Pure
Katrin		Girl	Natural; Clear; Pure; Clean; Innocent
Kayah		Girl	To forgive; Forgiveness
Kaydence		Girl	Rhythm; Flow; To fall
Keavy-Name-Meaning-Guide:-Origin,-Pronunciation,-And-Nicknames		Girl	Care; Gentle; Beloved; Dear
Keela-Name-Meaning:-Complete-Guide-To-Origin-And-Variations		Unisex	Wolf; Beautiful; Slender
Kelechi		Boy	Glorify God
Kelise-Baby-Name:-Complete-Pronunciation,-Meaning-&-Popularity		Unisex	Warrior; Of Elise; God's Promise; Of Kelly; Bright Headed
Kenna		Girl	Handsome; Fire-born; Ruler of the valley
Kennedi		Girl	Helmeted chieftain
Keren		Unisex	Horn; Ray of light; Each of the two
Keris		Unisex	Sharp wavy-edged blade; Love
Kerry		Girl	Ciar's people; Kingdom of Ciar; One with dark complexion
Keyla		Girl	Crown of laurels; Wreath; Pure; God-like
Khadra		Girl	Green; Lucky or fortunate
Khalisa		Girl	True; Pure; Clear; Real
Kimia-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-History-&-Complete-Guide		Unisex	Elixir of life; Alchemy; Philosopher's stone; Rare; Unique
Kinsley		Girl	King's meadow; Victory
Kirpa		Girl	Mercy; Blessing
Kiyanna-Baby-Name-A-Comprehensive-Guide-In-2025		Girl	Essence
Kristiana		Girl	Christian; A follower of Christ
Kyria		Girl	Of the lord
Laina		Girl	Little rock; Handsome; Dark; Wave; Of Magdala; Path
Laiya		Unisex	Weary
Lamis		Girl	Toucher; Soft; From Lammas
Leana		Girl	Weary; Cow; Favor; Grace
Leeya		Girl	I am the Lord's
Lema		Unisex	Lion
Lenora		Girl	Light; The other Aenor
Letitia		Girl	Joy; Gladness
Leyah-Name-Meaning-&-Origin:-Comprehensive-Guide		Girl	Weary; Cow
Liah		Unisex	Weary; Reason; Beautiful; Power
Lillith		Girl	Belonging to the night; Demon; Spirit
Lillyana-Name-Meaning:-Complete-Guide-To-Origin-&-Variations		Girl	From the flower name Lily; My God is an oath; Purity
Lilyan		Girl	From the flower name Lily; My God is an oath; Purity
Lindsey		Girl	Island of linden trees; Lincoln's Island; Lake colony
Livinia-Name-Meaning:-Popularity,-Nicknames-&-Ultimate-Guide		Girl	Legendary mother of the Roman people
Lou-Name-Meaning:-Origins,-Variations,-And-Popularity-In-2025		Boy	Famous warrior
Love-Name-Meaning-&-Origin:-Comprehensive-Baby-Name-Guide		Girl	Affection; Famous warrior
Lovella		Girl	Wolf
Luanna-Name-Meaning-And-Popularity-Trends:-A-Complete-Guide		Girl	Happiness; Famous warrior; Grace
Lunah		Girl	Moon
Luz		Boy	Light; Hazelnut
Mabelle		Girl	My beautiful one; Lovable
Madalina-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-5-Adorable-Nicknames		Girl	Of Magdala; Tower
Madelaine-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity		Girl	One who is from the tower; Of Magdala
Maebh		Girl	Intoxicating
Maelle		Boy	Prince; Chieftain; Lord
Mafalda-Baby-Name:-Essential-Guide-to-Meaning-&-Pronunciation		Girl	A powerful warrior
Magdalene		Girl	Of Magdala; Tower
Mahek		Girl	Wide-spreading fragrance
Mahlia		Girl	Lady; Woman
Maizey-Name-Meaning:-Vintage-Baby-Name-Guide		Girl	Pearl
Maleeka		Girl	Queen; Vigorous; Brave
Malikah-Name-Meaning,-Popularity-&-Numerology:-Complete-Guide		Girl	She who is queen
Mallie-Name-Meaning-&-Origin:-Popularity-&-Pronunciation-Guide		Girl	Sea of bitterness; Rebelliousness; Wished for child
Malvina-Name-Meaning-&-Origin:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Girl	Smooth brow
Mandy		Girl	Worthy of love
Maneli		Unisex	Stay with me
Manmeet		Boy	Friend of mind; Companion of mind; Well wisher for mind; Supporter and guide of mind
Marged		Girl	Welsh girl name for pearl
Margherita		Girl	Pearl
Marielle		Girl	Bitterness; Wished for child
Marion		Girl	Sea of bitterness; Rebelliousness; Wished for child; Beloved; Love
Marliya		Unisex	Of Mary; Of Lee; A wished for child; Sea of bitterness; Meadow; Pasture
Maryan		Girl	A graceful star of the sea
Mattie-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-Complete-Guide		Boy	Gift of Yahweh; Gift of God
Mawada-Baby-Name-Meaning:-4-Loving-Attributes-&-Origin		Girl	Love; Affection; Compassion; Harmony
Mayara		Girl	Great grandmother
Maysam		Girl	A beautiful girl
Mazikeen-Baby-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Origin-And-Popularity		Unisex	Damagers; Harmful spirits
Mea-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Complete-Guide		Girl	Mine; Red; To bud; To sprout; Love; Tower on the north wall of Jerusalem
Meabh		Girl	Intoxicating
Medha		Girl	One of great wisdom and intellect
Medi		Girl	September
Meela		Unisex	Favor of the people
Meisha-Name-Meaning:-Guide-To-Pronunciation,-Popularity-&-More		Unisex	Beauty; Berry; Rose; Sand

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