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
Nhyira-Name:-Meaning,-Pronunciation,-And-Complete-Guide		Unisex	Blessing
Nial		Boy	Champion; Cloud; Passionate
Nickan		Boy	The winner of a war
Nicolau		Boy	Brazilian variant of Nicholas, meaning victory of people
Nikan		Unisex	One who brings good things
Nikoloz		Boy	Georgian form of Nicholas; Victory of the people
Nilan		Boy	Victory of the people
Niles		Boy	Fury; Passion; Cloud; Hero
Nils		Boy	Accomplishment of the people; Victory
Nimit-Baby-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Popularity,-Nicknames-&-More		Boy	Sign; Mark; Omen; Vision; Cause; Motive
Nirav		Boy	Free of making sound; Quiet; Silent
Noble		Unisex	Dignified; Honorable; Noble-minded; Notable
Nour-Name-Meaning-And-History:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Girl	Light
Nur		Unisex	Divine light
Obaid-Name-Meaning,-Origin-&-History:-Complete-Guide		Boy	Servant of God
Okan		Boy	Archer; Apt
Olek		Boy	Defending men; Defender of humankind
Orel		Boy	Light of God; High mountain; Exalted
Orest		Boy	Of the mountains; Mountain dweller
Orestes		Boy	Of the mountains; Stand on a mountain
Orren		Boy	Pine tree; Tan; Greyish brown
Orry		Boy	Peace of God
Osher		Unisex	Happiness; Blessing
Osiris-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-11-Adorable-Nicknames		Boy	Mighty eye; God of fertility, agriculture, and the afterlife
Ostin		Boy	Great; Magnificent; Exalted; Venerable
Ovie		Boy	King
Pa		Girl	Flower; Peafowl; Humble
Paarth		Boy	Friend of all; Epithet of Arjuna; One who never misses his target
Palmer		Boy	Pilgrim; Palm tree
Pat		Boy	A regal and noble individual
Pavol		Boy	Slovak form of Paul; Little; Humble; Small
Pawan		Boy	Purification; One who is like the wind
Pax		Boy	Peace
Pearse		Boy	Son of Peter; Stone
Phelix		Boy	Lucky; Fortunate; Successful
Phileas		Boy	An affectionate and quick minded individual
Philemon		Boy	Beloved; Dear most; Loved one; Kiss; Affectionate
Philipp		Boy	Lover of horses; Friend of horses; Horse lover
Philippe		Boy	Horse lover
Phinehas		Boy	Nubian; Serpent's mouth
Prabhjot		Girl	The light of God; Brilliance
Prerak		Boy	Encourager; Stimulating; Urging
Ptolemy		Boy	Aggressive and warlike
Qaasim		Boy	A distributor of something
Quintus		Boy	Fifth
Qusay		Boy	Distant
Raad		Boy	A scout; A pioneer; Return; Oppose; Fight
Raaid		Boy	Leader; Chief
Radek		Boy	Happy; Willing; Glory
Radoslaw		Boy	He who loves peace
Raegan-Name-Meaning,-Origin-&-Popularity-Guide-For-2025		Girl	Little king
Rafan		Unisex	To rise
Rafsan		Unisex	Light; Brightness; Intelligence
Raghav		Boy	Descendant of Raghu or Lord Ram
Raid		Boy	Advice; Counsel; Decision; Protection; Leader
Raj-Name-Meaning:-Complete-Guide-To-Origin-And-2025-Popularity		Boy	King; Ruler; Empire; Royalty
Rajbir		Boy	Brave king
Ramon		Boy	Famous protector; Advice; Counsel
Ranen		Boy	He who is joyful
Raqeeb		Boy	Overseer; Observer; Rival; Competitor
Rasan		Girl	Raindrops from the sky
Rauf		Boy	Compassionate; Wolf's counsel; Red-haired
Raunak		Boy	Light; Happiness; Pride; Glory
Rayansh		Boy	A part of the sun; Ray of light
Raylan-Name:-Ultimate-Guide-To-Meaning,-Origin-&-Popularity		Boy	Counselor; Beam of light; Rye land
Razi		Girl	My secret; Agreeable
Redd		Boy	Red; Clearing
Reese-Name-Meaning:-History,-Origin-&-Popularity-Trends		Girl	Enthusiasm; Ardor
Reg		Boy	Ruler's advisor; Counsel's authority
Rehoboth-Baby-Name-Meaning:-Pronunciation-&-More		Unisex	Resting place
Remel		Unisex	A branch
Renley-Name:-Meaning,-Origin-&-Complete-Guide		Unisex	Man; Warrior; Edge; Clearing
Renn		Unisex	Reborn; Waterlily; Pond flower
Renny-Name-Origin-&-Meaning:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Boy	Powerful counsel; To rise again; Prosperity
Reuven		Boy	One who sees the son; Behold, a son
Rexton		Boy	King
Reyyan-Baby-Name:-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Meaning-&-Popularity		Unisex	Watered; Plentiful; Heaven's gate
Rhiley		Unisex	Rye clearing; Rye field
Rick		Boy	Brave ruler; Stack of hay or straw
Riegan		Girl	Little urler; Regal; Descendant of Riagan
Riggs-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity:-A-2025-Guide		Boy	A person living on the ridge
Riku		Boy	Powerful ruler; Mighty king; Land
Ripley		Boy	Strip of clearing in the woods
Rishabh		Boy	Superior; Excellent; A musical note; Bull; Lord Vishnu
Rishon		Boy	First; Primary; Primitive; Origin
Ritik		Boy	From the heart; Successful; Tiumphant; Victorious
Riza		Unisex	Contentment; Satisfaction
Rj		Unisex	Radio jockey; Radio journalist
Robby-Name:-Pronunciation,-Popularity-Trends-&-Top-Nicknames		Boy	Bright fame
Roco		Boy	Dew; Crow
Rohith-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity:-Expert-Insights		Boy	Red; Jewelry; A rainbow; The first rays of the sun
Romel-Baby-Name:-Meaning,-Popularity,-Nicknames-&-More		Boy	To make noise; To move impetuously; From Rome; Roman
Romello-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-A-Complete-Guide		Boy	Of Rome
Ronav		Boy	A person who is an embodiment of charm and grace; Handsome
Roque		Boy	Crow; Rook
Roran-Baby-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Popularity,-Variations-&-More		Boy	The Red King
Rosario-Name-Meaning:-Everything-You-Need-To-Know		Boy	Rosary; Our lady of the rosary
Rosen-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Complete-Guide		Girl	Rose
Rostam		Boy	Strong river; Warrior hero
Ru		Unisex	One who is like a scholar; Red-haired

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