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
Lamya		Girl	One who has dark lips
Lanae		Girl	Handsome; Little rock; My God is an oath; Afloat; Wood; World
Laniyah		Girl	A light that is found within
Laraya-Name-Meaning:-Pronunciation,-Numerology-&-Key-Insights		Unisex	Strong; Unique; Confident
Lareen		Girl	The one who symbolizes honor and victory; Like a laurel tree
Laria-Baby-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning-And-Popularity		Girl	Cheerful
Lashae		Girl	Courteous; Majestic
Lavanya		Girl	Beauty; Good-looking; Grace
Lavina		Girl	A woman of ancient Rome
Leighla		Girl	Night
Lejla		Girl	A dark-haired beautiful woman who is born at night
Lenaya-Complete-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity		Unisex	Linden tree; Twinflower
Lenore		Girl	Light; The other Aenor
Leonore		Girl	Light; Brightness of the sun's rays
Lianne-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity:-Complete-Guide		Girl	Youthfulness; Dedication to Jupiter; Climbing vine
Lidya-Name:-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Meaning,-Trends-&-More		Girl	From Lydia
Lilibeth		Girl	God is my oath
Liliwen		Girl	A blessed white Lily; wonderful
Lillah		Girl	From Lydia; To envy; Blue; Envious
Lillianna		Girl	Lily; Purity; My god is an oath
Lillyanne		Girl	My God is an oath; Lily; Favor; Grace
Linnea		Girl	Twinflower
Lissie		Girl	Rational person
Livy-Name:-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Meaning,-Popularity,-And-More		Girl	Olive; Envious; Blue
Liz		Girl	My God is an oath
Lojain:-Complete-Guide-To-Pronunciation,-Popularity-&-More		Boy	Silver; Enchanting
Lona		Girl	Torch; Strength; Father light; Tower; Moon goddess; Lioness; Oak tree; Canvas
Loren		Unisex	From Laurentum; Laurel;
Lorraine		Girl	Kingdom of Lothar; Famous army
Louisiana		Girl	Famous warrior; A place name
Loula-Name:-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Meaning-Origin-&-Popularity		Girl	Renowned warrior; Famous in battle
Lowena		Girl	Happiness; Bliss; Joy
Lucrezia		Girl	Profit
Ludovica-Baby-Name-In-2025:-Origin,-Meaning-&-Complete-Guide		Girl	Famous warrior
Lunafreya		Girl	The Moon; Lady
Macee		Boy	Gift of Yahweh
Madalyn-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-Key-Insights-Into-Variations		Girl	Tower; Of Magdala
Maddy		Girl	Of Magdala
Madilyn		Girl	Of Magdala; Tower
Mahdia		Girl	One who is guided on the right path; Divine guidance
Mahera		Girl	One who is industrious; Talented; Skilled; The maternal mansion of a married girl
Mahveen		Girl	Pure and beautiful as the moon
Mairah		Girl	Exalted, noble, graceful
Mais		Girl	Nettle tree; Cleared land; Gift of Yahweh
Maisara		Girl	Facilitator; Facilitating
Malayah-Baby-Name-Guide:-Popularity-And-Unique-Name-Variations		Unisex	Free; Independent
Maleah		Girl	A wished for child
Maleia		Girl	Sea of bitterness; Rebelliousness; Wished for a child
Malena		Girl	High tower; Of Magdala
Maneet-Name-Meaning:-Ultimate-Guide-To-Origin-&-Popularity		Boy	One who wins hearts; Someone with a modest heart; Coming habitually
Manroop		Girl	One who has a beautiful mind
Mansa-Baby-Name:-A-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Origin,-History		Girl	Sultan; King; Ruler; Hindu goddess of snakes
Manvitha		Unisex	Intelligent
Marguerite		Girl	Pearl
Mariem		Girl	A woman is beloved
Marlia		Girl	Pleasant wood; Marten wood; Boundary; Sea of bitterness; Rebelliousness; Wished for child; Beloved; Love; A woman from Magdala
Marly		Boy	Pleasant, boundary, or marten wood; Sea of bitterness; Rebelliousness; Beloved; Tower; Of Magdala
Maryellen		Girl	Sea of bitterness; Rebelliousness; Wished-for child; Beloved; Love; Torch; Moon; Corposant
Masha-Name-Meaning,-Origin-&-Popularity-in-2025:-Complete-Guide		Girl	Sea of bitterness; Rebelliousness; Wished-for child; Beloved; Love
Masuma		Unisex	Innocence; Increase; Kindness
Maureen		Girl	Sea of bitterness; Beloved; Wished-for child
Mawaddah		Girl	Harmonious; Sympathetic; Loving
Maybel		Girl	Lovable
Mayssa		Girl	Sparkling star
Meagan		Girl	Pearl
Meda		Boy	A kind of root; Honey; Tree; Wood
Megha		Girl	Cloud; Rain clouds
Meghna		Girl	Clouds
Meha		Girl	Rain; Fog; Clous
Mehnoor		Girl	Light of the moon
Melika		Girl	Honey; Bee; Royalty
Meriam		Girl	Star of the ocean
Meryn		Unisex	Sea born; Of the sea;
Meya		Girl	Beloved; Sea of bitterness; Rebelliousness; Wished for child; Powerful; Strength; Magic; Illusion; Brilliant star of the ocean
Mhairi		Girl	Sea of bitterness; Rebelliousness; Wished for child; Beloved; Love
Mica-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-Pronunciation,-And-Popularity-Guide		Girl	Who is like God?
Michela-Name-Meaning:-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Origin-&-Variants		Girl	Who is like God?
Mihrimah		Girl	Merging power of the Sun and the Moon
Mija		Girl	Sea of bitterness; Wished-for child; Rebelliousness; Beloved; My dear; My daughter
Millianna		Girl	Gracious; Dear; Middle of the field
Mirella		Girl	To admire; Respect
Mishti		Girl	Cute, lovable, and sweet person
Mitzi		Girl	Sea of bitterness; Rebelliousness; Wished for child; Beloved; Love
Mitzie		Girl	Sea of Bitterness; Rebelliousness; Wished for child
Muireann		Girl	White sea; Blessed sea
Mursal		Unisex	Acceptability of Prophet Muhammad's sayings
Naarah		Girl	Girl; Maiden
Naavya		Unisex	Beautiful
Naimah		Girl	Pleasantness; Tranquil; Happy; At ease
Najah-Name:-Expert-Guide-To-Meaning,-Popularity,-And-More		Girl	Success; Victory; Triumph; Relief; Simplicity; Ease; Clarity
Naomie		Girl	Beautiful; Pleasantness; Agreeable
Nataly		Girl	Christmas day; Birth of the lord
Natasza		Girl	Polish form of Natasha; Birthday
Nathalie		Girl	Christmas day; Born on Christmas day
Nathania		Girl	Gift of God; God has given; He gave
Navayah-Name-Meaning,-Popularity-&-Insights:-Complete-Guide		Unisex	New; Fresh
Navpreet		Boy	The fresh affection or love
Naylah		Girl	Achiever; Attainer; Gracious
Nazli		Girl	Delicate; Coy; Coquetry
Neelam		Girl	Dark blue; Sapphire

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