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
Nehal		Unisex	Intelligent; Newly planted tree; Rainy; Spring; Beautiful; Joy
Nevah-Baby-Name:-Meaning,-History-&-5-Sweet-Nicknames		Unisex	Clan; Family; Lineage; Wife; Woman
Nevayah		Unisex	Heaven
Niara		Girl	One with high purpose; Nebula; Mist
Niharika		Girl	Nebula
Nikisha		Unisex	Cassia; Cinnamon
Nikoleta		Girl	The person who is straightforward
Nimo		Boy	A person with wisdom
Nitara		Girl	One who has deep roots; Standing firm
Nitya-Name-Meaning,-Origin-&-More:-Complete-Guide-For-2025		Unisex	One who is forever; Eternal
Niyati		Girl	Destiny; Luck
Nnenna		Girl	The one who is fond of her dad's mum
Nori		Girl	Rites; Ceremony; Seaweed; Ocean moss
Noureen		Girl	The bright shining light
Nuwairah:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Numerology		Girl	Little flower; Petals
Nyala-Baby-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning-&-Popularity		Girl	Antelope
Nyree		Girl	Wetland; Flaxen
Nysha-Baby-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-Popularity-&-Expert-Insights		Girl	Special; New beginning
Odelia		Girl	Heritage; Wealth; I will thank Yahweh
Odetta		Girl	Heritage; Wealth; Fortune
Ogechi		Girl	A fresh and successful ending of a struggle or contest
Oluchi		Girl	Work of God
Omnia		Girl	Wish; Hope
Orianna		Girl	Gold; Rising sun; The golden one; Daughter of the light/fire
Ottilia		Girl	Heritage; Wealth; Fortune
Oviya		Girl	Painting; Artist; Beautiful drawing or art
Ozioma		Girl	The message, God's good news
Paityn-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-History,-&-Popularity		Girl	Pæga's town; Fighting man's estate
Panna		Girl	Favor; Grace; Emerald; Leaf; Page
Paradise		Unisex	Heaven; The garden of Eden
Patti		Girl	Noble women; Of noble birth; Lady; Mistress
Pauline		Girl	Small; Humble
Pavlina		Girl	Variation of name Paulina; a little one
Pearly		Girl	One who is like a gem in the ocean
Pebbles-Name-Meaning-&-Popularity:-Origin-&-6-Cute-Nicknames		Girl	One who is like a small rock
Pepper-Name-Origin,-Meaning,-And-History:-All-You-Need-To-Know		Boy	Related to a spice; Berry
Perl		Unisex	Pearl; a dynamic personality
Phaedra		Girl	One who is bright
Piya		Unisex	Dear; Beloved; Amiable
Popi		Unisex	Doll; Pretty girl
Prabhnoor		Girl	The ultimate light of God
Pranavi		Girl	Phonic sound for sacred syllable Om
Priyal		Boy	Beloved; One who gives love
Priyanshi-Name-Meaning,-Origin-&-History:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Girl	The dearest part; Part of one's beloved; Loved
Prunella		Girl	Good judgment; Diminutive of Prudence; Short form of Prunella; Plum; Variant of Pru
Qamar-Name:-A-Guide-To-Origin,-Meaning,-And-History		Unisex	Moon; Moonlight
Radiyah		Girl	Support; Assistance
Rafia		Girl	God heals; Noble; High; Sublime
Raheema		Girl	Kind; Compassionate; Merciful; Tenderhearted
Rahel		Girl	Ewe
Raielle		Unisex	Harmony; More attractive
Rainey-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-Comprehensive-Guide		Girl	Descendant of Raonull
Rakeb		Unisex	Overseer; Supervisor; Controller
Raphaelle		Girl	God heals; God has healed
Rawdah		Girl	Garden; Meadow
Rayann		Girl	Watered; Plentiful; Heaven's flower; Luxuriant
Reham		Girl	Dew on flowers in the morning
Rehana		Girl	Basil; We are here
Reine		Girl	She who is the Queen; Counsel
Renad		Unisex	Agarwood; Aloeswood
Reyhana		Girl	Basil; Also Prophet Muhammad wife's name
Rhema-Name-Meaning:-Guide-To-Origin,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity		Unisex	Utterance; A saying; Word; That which is spoken; Word of Christ
Rhianne		Unisex	Maiden; Great queen
Riham		Girl	Drizzle; Light rain
Rikki-Name-Meaning:-Pronunciation,-Popularity-&-Variations		Boy	Brave ruler
Rinad		Unisex	Fragrance or scent
Rishika-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-History-&-Popularity-in-2025		Girl	Trustworthy; Saintly; Divine worshipper; Pious; Learned; Sage; Poet
Rishita		Girl	Saintly; Wise; Learned; Divine worshippers
Rivkah		Girl	Join; Tie; Snare
Riyana		Unisex	Basil; Aroma; Watered; Luxuriant
Rizwana		Girl	One who is a beautiful guardian of Paradise
Roanna		Girl	A raven; Red-haired; From the rowan tree; Celebrated grace
Roda		Unisex	Rose; She who brings splendor
Rodina		Unisex	Family or homeland
Romola		Girl	Founder king of Rome
Roop		Boy	Shape; Beauty; Form; Figure; Appearance; Bright; Fame; Parallel; Beside
Rosanne		Girl	Rose; Favor; Grace
Rosaria		Girl	Our lady of the rosary; Rosary
Roseann		Girl	Famous type; Favor; Grace
Royale		Unisex	King; Regal; Royal
Ruaa		Girl	Love for the moon; Hardworking; Noble; Red; Two; Abyss
Rufaydah		Girl	One who supports Allah
Rumer		Boy	Fame; Wanderer; Famous counselor
Rumeysa		Girl	Bouquet of flowers; Narrator of Hadith
Rylea		Unisex	Divine; Goddess-like
Saadia		Boy	Fortunate; Lucky; To support
Saaliha		Girl	A useful and good person
Sabeeha		Girl	Morning; Beautiful; Graceful
Sabira-Name-Complete-Guide:-Meaning,-Popularity,-Nicknames		Girl	Patient; Enduring person
Sabreena-Name-Guide:-Pronunciation,-Popularity,-Meanings-&-More		Girl	One who is patient
Sadhbh		Girl	Sweet; Lovely
Sadiyah-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Popularity-&-Fun-Variations		Girl	Fortunate; Lucky
Safiye		Girl	A genuine person
Sagal		Girl	One like the morning rays
Sahira		Girl	Wakeful; Moonlight; Mountain
Saige		Girl	A wise person; A type of spice
Sairah		Girl	One who travels
Samera-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-History-&-What-You-Need-To-Know		Unisex	Companion in night conversation; Under God's rule; To talk in the evening; Battle; War; Enchanting; Early morning fragrance; Entertaining companion; Wind
Samina		Girl	Valuable; Precious; Priceless
Sanam-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-Popularity,-Variations-&-More		Boy	Beloved; Lover; Sweetheart

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