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
Maalik		Boy	Person who possesses or owns; A master
Maan		Boy	Army man
Maanav		Boy	A scholar; Human being; A young man; A male student
Maceo-Name-Meaning,-Origin-&-Pronunciation:-Complete-Guide		Boy	Gift of God
Mads		Boy	A gift of God
Magdi		Boy	Of Magdala; Glorious; Praiseworthy
Mahammed		Boy	An admirable, praiseworthy, and thankful man
Mahan		Boy	Great; Big; Eminent; Nobility; Moon; Head of secret organization
Mahfuz		Boy	Safeguarded; Protected
Maisam		Unisex	Greatest
Malin		Girl	One from Magdala; Tower
Mally		Girl	Sea of bitterness; Rebelliousness; Wished for child
Malone-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-2025-Popularity-Guide		Boy	One who is devoted to St. John
Manan		Boy	Understanding; Reflecting; Meditate; Thinking
Mannix		Boy	Little monk
Mansoor		Boy	Triumphant; Victorious
Manu		Girl	Thinking; Wise; God is with us
Markel		Boy	Mars; The god of war; Warlike; Male
Marks		Boy	Male; War-like; God of War
Marlin-Name-Meaning-And-History:-Complete-Guide		Boy	Sea fort
Martel		Boy	Hammer; Warlike; Dedicated to Mars
Martial		Boy	The god of war; Mars; Dedicated to Mars; Warlike; Male
Masato		Boy	Right; Proper; Elegant; Graceful; Real; Genuine; True; Person
Masih		Boy	Anointed; Messiah
Masoud		Boy	Fortunate; Lucky; Prosperous
Massimiliano		Boy	The greatest one
Matheo		Boy	Gift of Yahweh
Mathis		Boy	God's gift
Matt		Boy	God's gift
Matthan		Boy	Gift; One who is a gift
Matvey		Boy	Given by God
Maui		Boy	Name of a demigod; Trickster god
Mauricio		Boy	Moorish
Maven-Baby-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity:-Expert-Guide		Girl	The one who intoxicates; Mead woman; Expert
Maxon		Boy	Greatest; Supreme; Maximum; Eldest
Mayank-Name-Meaning:-Complete-Guide-For-Expectant-Parents		Boy	Moon; Beautiful
Mccauley		Boy	Son of Amhalghaidh
Megh		Boy	Cloud
Mehar		Girl	One who is kind and graceful
Mehrab		Unisex	Sun; Friendship; Water
Melvyn		Boy	Bad town
Mer		Boy	Apple tree; Mare; To believe; Sea
Meron		Girl	Love; Affection; Theory
Michelangelo		Boy	Who is like God?; Messenger
Mick		Boy	Who is like God?
Mihails		Boy	A form of Michael, meaning who is like God?
Mikkel		Boy	Who is like God; Enormous
Milano		Unisex	A person who came from Milan; Middle of the plain
Milen-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-Popularity,-Complete-Guide		Boy	Gracious; Favor; Grace; Dear
Ming-Baby-Name:-Origin,-Meaning-&-Key-Insights		Boy	Bright; Shining; Clear; Engrave
Mirac		Boy	Ascension
Mircea		Boy	Peace; World
Mirco		Boy	Peace; World
Misam		Unisex	Innocent; Beautiful; Cute; Attractive
Misha		Unisex	Who is like God; Smile
Mitansh		Boy	Part of a friend
Mitchel		Boy	Who is like God?; Big; Large
Mithil:-Baby-Name-Pronunciation,-Popularity,-Numerology-&-More		Boy	Kingdom; Ancient India
Mo-Name-Meaning,-History,-And-Variants:-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	A diminutive name; Star of the sea; To praise; North African; Moorish; Ink; Black
Moaz		Unisex	Protected; Guarded; The one who will lead the scholars into Paradise
Moeen		Boy	Helper; Supporter; Provider of refuge
Mohanad		Boy	India; Type of iron sword from India
Mohmad		Boy	Enhanced belongings; Superior possessions
Moksh		Boy	Salvation; Emancipation; One who has self-realization and self-knowledge
Mosiah		Boy	Saviour
Muath		Boy	The protected
Muawiyah-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	One who howls
Muhannad		Unisex	Sword from India
Muneer		Boy	Splendid; Shining; Bright
Mustaqeem		Boy	Straight; Correct
Myan-Baby-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity		Unisex	A sword sheath; A palanquin
Myer		Unisex	Giving light
Mylan		Unisex	Gracious; Pleasant; Dear
Nadeem		Boy	Drinking companion; Confidant; Friend; Close companion
Nahid		Girl	Planet Venus; Immaculate; Undefiled
Naif		Boy	Exceeding; Surpassing; Elevated; High; Towering
Naim		Boy	Calm; Happy; Tranquil; At ease; To be contented
Najeeb		Boy	Noble; Generous; Distinguished
Najib		Boy	Noble; Distinguished; Intelligent
Nakai-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Popularity,-And-Unique-Variations		Unisex	Quieted; Pacified; The seas; Middle pit or well; Wanderer
Nakoa-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity:-A-Complete-Guide		Unisex	Warrior; Brave
Nam		Boy	South
Namir		Boy	Leopard; Panther; Good; Pure
Naseer		Boy	Helper; Supporter; Victorious; Protector; Victory-maker
Nasim-Name-Meaning:-Guide-To-Pronunciation,-Popularity-&-More		Boy	Fresh air; Gentle breeze
Nasr		Boy	Victory; Triumph
Nassir:-Complete-Guide-To-Pronunciation,-Meaning,-Popularity		Boy	Helper; Victorious; Protector
Nat		Boy	He gave; God has given; Christmas day
Naveed-Baby-Name:-Meaning,-Popularity-&-Complete-Guide		Boy	Good news; Good tidings
Naveen-Name-Meaning:-Insights-Into-Origin,-History-&-Popularity		Boy	New; Fresh; Creative; Young; Bright; Regenerated
Nawab		Boy	Deputy; Viceroy; Noble
Nayef		Boy	Something in surplus, or excess
Naythan		Boy	Gift from God; God has given
Nazar-Name-Meaning,-History-&-Variations:-Complete-Guide		Boy	From Nazareth; Vision; To look
Nazeer		Boy	Herald; Similar; Counterpart
Neer		Girl	Army counsel; Water-born; Lotus; Water
Neron		Boy	Strong; Vigorous
Nestor-Baby-Name:-Guide-To-Origin,-Meaning,-&-History		Boy	Returner; Homecomer
Nevan-Name-Meaning:-Irish-Roots,-Saintly-Origins-&-Variants		Boy	Youngest saint; Spiritual person
Nevin		Boy	New; Son of the little saint; Thin man

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