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
Japleen		Boy	Absorbed in God's remembrance
Japnoor		Boy	Worshipper of Eternal Light; One who meditates on the divine light
Jaqueline		Girl	May God protect; Holder of the heel; Supplanter
Jaskirat		Boy	One who sings prayers
Jaylene		Unisex	Beautiful jaybird
Jayme		Boy	Supplanter; Holder of the heel
Jeanelle		Unisex	God is gracious
Jeannie		Unisex	God is gracious
Jedidah		Girl	A friend or companion
Jeevika		Girl	Alive; Livelihood; Giver of life
Jelena-Name-Meaning:-Complete-Guide-To-Origin-And-Popularity		Girl	Sunray; Light; Bright; Sunlight
Jenae		Girl	White phantom; God is gracious
Jenelle		Girl	God is gracious; White Phantom
Jessamine-Comprehensive-Guide-To-Meaning,-History-&-Variations		Girl	Jasmine
Jessamy-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-Comprehensive-Guide-For-2025		Girl	Jasmine flower; To behold; Beloved
Jeyda		Unisex	Precious stone; Beautiful woman
Jhene		Girl	Paradise; God is gracious; The fair one
Jian		Boy	Build; Establish; Strong
Jiana		Girl	God is gracious
Jina		Unisex	To walk; Precious child; Intelligence; Elegance
Jinan		Unisex	Paradise; Garden; Gold; Money; Peace; Quiet
Jiyana		Unisex	The gray-lined hawk; Life
Joann-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-Variants-&-Popularity-Guide		Girl	God is gracious
Jocasta		Girl	Burning; Shining moon
Jodi		Girl	Yahweh is gracious; He will add
Johannah		Girl	God is gracious
Jolana		Girl	Greek origin meaning violet
Jordanna		Boy	Descend; Flow down
Joscelyn		Girl	Member of the Gauts tribe; Joyous
Josslyn		Girl	A member of the Gauts tribe; Joyful
Joules		Boy	Downy-bearded
Jouri-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Origin-&-Popularity		Unisex	Farmer; Damask rose
Julietta		Girl	Youthful; Jove's child; Downy-bearded; Devoted to Jove
Julija		Unisex	Social; Wealthy; Admirable
Justine		Girl	Just; Upright; Fair
Juwairiyyah		Girl	Little woman or little girl
Kadee		Girl	Clean; Clear Rythm; Flow; Pure
Kadija		Girl	Trustworthy; Premature child
Kaede		Unisex	Maple; Maple leaf
Kahlan		Girl	Antimony
Kairaluchukwu		Girl	Leave it to God
Kaisha		Unisex	Cassia; Cinnamon
Kalayah		Unisex	Lost; Joy; Happiness; Field pea
Kaley		Girl	Delicate; To rejoice; Pure; Clearing
Kalyani		Girl	Beautiful; Auspicious
Kami		Boy	Lord; Loving; Divine; A youth employed in religious services; God
Kana-Name-Meaning:-3-Origins,-History-&-Cultural-Significance		Girl	Powerful; Incense; Excellent; Green
Kanisha		Girl	Beautiful; Favorite; Alive
Karishma		Girl	Miracle
Karlee		Girl	Free woman
Karly-Name-Meaning:-Complete-Guide-To-Origin-And-Popularity		Girl	Womanly; Free woman
Karys		Unisex	Love
Kasia		Girl	Pure; Each of the two
Kassia-Baby-Name:-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Key-Insights		Girl	Cassia; Cinnamon; Spice; Treasured; Empty; Vain
Katriel		Girl	My crown of God; The crowned Lord; Crown of God
Katyayani-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Girl	Goddess Parvati; Daughter of Katyayana
Kausar-Name-Meaning-And-History:-A-Comprehensive-Guide		Girl	Abundance; Plentiful
Kavisha:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Origin-And-Pronunciation		Girl	Lord of poets; Lord Ganesha
Kaviya		Girl	Poem
Kawsar		Unisex	Abundance
Kawthar-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Pronunciation-&-Numerology		Boy	Much; Abundant; Copious; Name of a river in Paradise
Kayley		Girl	Each of the two; Pure; Meadow
Kaylie		Girl	Pure; Forest clearing
Kaylin		Girl	Waterfall; Pure; Lake; Rejoicer
Ke		Unisex	Hair; Rejoice
Keiana		Unisex	Living with grace; Ancient; Silk-like material
Kelsy		Girl	Ship's victory; Cenel's island; Fierce
Kemi-Baby-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity		Unisex	Cherish me; Caring for me
Kensie		Unisex	Handsome; Beautiful; Good
Keona-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Pronunciation:-Complete-Guide		Boy	The attractive
Kesar		Boy	Saffron; Mane of a horse or lion; Eyebrow
Keturah		Girl	Incense; Fragrance; Knot; To steam
Kiri		Girl	Skin of a tree or fruit; Mountain summit; Princess tree
Kirra-Name-Meaning:-Complete-Guide-To-Origin-&-History		Girl	Beautiful woman; Life; Leaf; Brilliant lady of light
Kirstie		Girl	Christian woman; A follower of Christ
Kiva-Name-Meaning:-Insights-On-Origin,-History,-And-Variations		Girl	Supplanter; Holder of the heel; May God protect; Dear; Noble
Klarisa		Girl	Bright light
Kleio		Girl	Glory
Kleopatra		Girl	A form of Cleopatra, meaning glory to father
Knightly		Unisex	Mighty warrior or knight; Knight's meadow
Koko		Girl	Blue; Cute; Sky of love
Kristen-Name-Meaning-And-History:-Complete-2025-Guide		Girl	Christian; Follower of the Christ; Anointed
Kristine		Girl	Christian; Follower of the Christ; Anointed
Kriya-Name-Meaning,-Origin-&-Popularity:-Complete-Guide		Unisex	Action or activity; Performance; Ritual
Ksenija		Girl	Ksenija means hospotality, a stranger or a guest
Kulsum		Girl	Elephant; Full-bodied; Full-cheeked; With ruddy cheeks
Kushi		Boy	Joy; Happiness
Kyesha-Name-Guide-For-2025:-Origins,-Meaning,-And-Popularity		Girl	Cassia; Cinnamon; Gift from God
Kyna		Girl	Intelligent; Royal
Labiba		Girl	Intelligent; Wise; Beloved
Lahna		Girl	Gift of God; Gift of donation
Laima		Girl	Luck; Beginning; Fate
Laira		Girl	Light of the soul
Lama		Girl	Lips dark like the color of a sunset; Dark red lips
Laniya-Baby-Name:-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Popular-Variations		Girl	Birdnest
Lanya		Unisex	Little rock; Handsome; Light; World
Larin		Boy	From Laurentum
Lateefah		Girl	Pleasant and kind person of tender character
Lava		Boy	Ancestor's legacy; Inheritance
Layaal		Unisex	Night; Darkness

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