Top Baby Names In UK For 2020

From royalty to commoners, explore the UK’s most popular names.

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Last Updated on Oct 14, 2024

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Names are like stories that tell you about an individual’s family, religion, and history. When you look at the top UK baby names in 2020, you get a peek into the traditions and beliefs of the people. Boy names like Oliver (olive tree planter) and George (farmer) and girl names like Olivia (olive tree) and Amelia (work) are the most popular in the country as parents associate these names with their history and culture. Similarly, names like Henry (home ruler), William (protector), Harry (home ruler), and Charlotte (free man) have been popular for years perhaps because they are linked to the royal family, which adds a sense of history and prestige.

Amidst these traditional favorites, some unconventional choices also won the hearts of parents. For boys, names like Noah (to rest) and Leo (lion) stood out, while for girls, Isabella (God is my oath) and Lily (oath to God) attracted parents with their natural charm and simplicity. Most parents may prefer traditional names that feel cozy and warm; however, with time, more parents are considering modern names that sound fresh and interesting. Below are the most popular names in the UK, as recorded by the Office for National Statistics (1). Have a look to find the best 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
Oliver		Boy	Olive; Olive tree planter; Ancestor's descendant; All cautious
Olivia		Girl	Peace; Olive tree
George		Boy	Farmer; Earth worker
Amelia		Girl	Hard working; Industrious
Isla		Girl	Island
Noah		Unisex	Rest; Comfort
Arthur		Boy	Bear king; Bear
Ava		Girl	Desire; Life; Bird-like; Voice; Sound
Mia		Girl	Mine; Dear; Darling; Wished-for child; Sea of bitterness; Beloved; Rebelliousness
Harry		Boy	Ruler of the household
Isabella		Girl	God is my oath
Leo		Boy	Lion
Muhammad		Boy	Praiseworthy; Praised one; Praise; Commendable
Sophia		Girl	She who possesses great knowledge and wisdom
Jack		Boy	God is gracious; Healthy; Supplanter
Grace		Girl	Goodness; Generosity
Charlie		Unisex	Free man; Army
Lily		Girl	Name of a flower; Purity; Innocence
Freya		Girl	A noble woman
Oscar		Boy	God's spear; Friend of deer
Jacob		Boy	May God protect; Holder of the heel; Supplanter
Emily		Girl	To strive; To excel; Hardworking; Rival
Ivy		Girl	Climber plant; Fig
Henry		Boy	Home ruler
Ella		Girl	Beautiful; Goddess; Other
Thomas		Boy	Twin
Freddie		Boy	Peace
Rosie		Girl	Rose; Famous type
Alfie		Boy	Elf counsel
Florence		Girl	Flourishing; Prosperous
Evie		Girl	Life; Breathe; Hazelnut
Theo		Boy	Gift of God; God; Folk; People
Poppy		Girl	Red flowering plant
William		Boy	Will; Protector
Theodore		Unisex	God's gift
Charlotte		Girl	Free person; Petite
Archie		Boy	Holy and bold; Genuine and brave; Brave master
Joshua		Boy	God is salvation
Evelyn		Girl	Life; Hazelnut; Lake; Beauty
Alexander		Boy	Defender of mankind
Elsie		Girl	God is my oath; Pledged to God
James		Boy	Supplanter
Phoebe		Girl	Bright; Radiant
Isaac		Boy	He will laugh; He will rejoice; Laughter
Sophie		Girl	She who is wise
Sienna		Unisex	Reddish brown clay; From city if Siena
Edward		Boy	Rich guard
Lucas		Boy	Bringer of light; From Lucania; Light
Alice		Girl	Noble; Kind; Nobility
Sofia		Girl	Wisdom
Tommy		Boy	Twin
Ruby		Girl	A precious red jewel; Red gemstone
Finley		Boy	Fair hero; White Warrior
Max		Boy	The greatest
Isabelle		Girl	My God is an oath; Devoted to God
Logan		Boy	Little hollow
Ethan		Boy	Enduring; Firm; Strong
Matilda		Girl	Strength in battle
Mohammed		Boy	Praised; Commendable
Daisy		Girl	Daisy flower; Day eye
Teddy		Unisex	Rich guard; Gift of God
Emilia		Girl	Rival; Laborious; Eager
Benjamin		Boy	Son of the right hand; Son of the south
Jessica		Girl	God beholds
Sebastian		Boy	From Sebaste; Venerable; Exalted
Joseph		Boy	He will add; Praise
Arlo		Boy	Fortified hill; Between two highlands
Maya		Girl	Illusion; Magic; Sea of bitterness; Beloved; Good mother; Dame
Eva		Girl	To breathe; To live; Mother of life; Full of life
Luna		Girl	Moon
Harrison		Boy	House ruler; Son of Harry
Millie		Girl	Gentle strength; Brave
Elijah		Boy	Yahweh is my God
Eliza		Girl	My God is an oath; Pledged to God; Joyful
Adam		Boy	Son of the Earth; Formed of earth; Red; One from the soil
Chloe		Girl	Fresh blooming; Ripe green shoot; Yellow
Daniel		Boy	God is my judge
Maisie		Girl	Pearl
Penelope		Girl	Weaver; Duck
Samuel		Boy	Name of God; God has heard
Louie		Boy	Famous warrior
Mason		Boy	Stone worker
Esme		Boy	Esteemed; Love; Supreme
Scarlett		Girl	The color scarlet; Bright red; A person who sold or made clothes made of scarlet
Reuben		Boy	Behold a son
Imogen		Girl	Maiden; Beloved child
Albie		Unisex	From Alba; Bright; Noble
Rory		Boy	Red king; Joyful
Thea		Girl	Divine; Greek Goddess Theia
Jaxon		Boy	Son of Jack; God is gracious
Ada		Girl	Noble; First-born girl; Island; Adornment; Ornament;
Hugo		Boy	Mind; Spirit; Thought
Layla		Girl	Night; Dark
Harriet		Girl	Home ruler
Luca		Boy	Bringer of light; From Lucania; Light
Mila		Girl	Gracious; Dear; Soldier; Miracles
Zachary		Boy	Yahweh has remembered; To remember
Violet		Girl	Purple; Purple flower
Reggie		Boy	Powerful advisor; Wise ruler
Hunter		Boy	A Hunter; Pursuer

Your child’s name will be with them forever, so choose wisely. This list of top UK baby names in 2020 can help you see the names parents have favored in recent years. You may consider names rooted in tradition or can go for a contemporary option. Whatever you decide, ensure the name is meaningful and one your child will take pride in. If you’re still unsure, think of a name you would choose for yourself.

Infographic: Royal Baby Names Popular In 2020

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team