Choosing the perfect name for your baby is one of the most significant decisions new parents make. This comprehensive guide covers the most popular UK baby names, their meanings, regional variations, and expert tips to help you find the ideal name for your little one.
Top 20 Girls Names in the UK (2025/26)
Based on the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) data for England and Wales, these are the most popular girls' names:
| Rank | Name | Meaning | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Olivia | Olive tree, symbol of peace | Latin |
| 2 | Amelia | Industrious, striving | Germanic |
| 3 | Isla | Island | Scottish |
| 4 | Ava | Life, bird-like | Latin/Hebrew |
| 5 | Ivy | Faithfulness, fidelity | English |
| 6 | Freya | Norse goddess of love | Norse |
| 7 | Lily | Purity, innocence | English |
| 8 | Mia | Mine, beloved | Scandinavian |
| 9 | Florence | Flourishing, prosperous | Latin |
| 10 | Willow | Graceful, slender | English |
| 11 | Sophia | Wisdom | Greek |
| 12 | Grace | Elegance, divine favour | Latin |
| 13 | Rosie | Rose flower | English |
| 14 | Emily | Rival, industrious | Latin |
| 15 | Evie | Life, living one | Hebrew |
| 16 | Isabella | Devoted to God | Hebrew/Italian |
| 17 | Poppy | Red flower, remembrance | English |
| 18 | Ella | Fairy maiden, light | Germanic |
| 19 | Harper | Harp player | English |
| 20 | Daisy | Day's eye flower | English |
Top 20 Boys Names in the UK (2025/26)
The most popular boys' names according to the latest data:
| Rank | Name | Meaning | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Noah | Rest, comfort | Hebrew |
| 2 | Oliver | Olive tree, peace | Latin |
| 3 | George | Farmer, earth worker | Greek |
| 4 | Leo | Lion | Latin |
| 5 | Arthur | Bear, noble one | Celtic |
| 6 | Muhammad | Praiseworthy | Arabic |
| 7 | Oscar | Divine spear, deer lover | Irish/Norse |
| 8 | Henry | Ruler of the home | Germanic |
| 9 | Theo | Divine gift | Greek |
| 10 | Jack | God is gracious | English |
| 11 | Charlie | Free man | Germanic |
| 12 | Freddie | Peaceful ruler | Germanic |
| 13 | Archie | Truly brave | Germanic |
| 14 | Harry | Ruler of the home | Germanic |
| 15 | Alfie | Wise counsellor | English |
| 16 | Luca | Bringer of light | Italian |
| 17 | Thomas | Twin | Aramaic |
| 18 | William | Resolute protector | Germanic |
| 19 | Finley | Fair-haired hero | Irish |
| 20 | Theodore | Gift of God | Greek |
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Baby Name Trends for 2025
Several naming trends are shaping baby name choices in the UK this year:
Nature-Inspired Names
Names connected to nature continue to surge in popularity. Girls' names like Willow, Ivy, Daisy, Poppy, and Flora are favourites, while boys are being named River, Forest, Ash, and Rowan more frequently than ever.
Vintage Revival
Names from the 1920s and earlier are making a strong comeback. Florence, Beatrice, Mabel, and Pearl for girls; Arthur, Alfred, Walter, and Ernest for boys are all rising in the rankings.
Short and Sweet
Parents increasingly prefer shorter names with 4-5 letters. Names like Mia, Ava, Leo, Max, and Ivy are popular choices, often used as full names rather than nicknames.
Gender-Neutral Names
Unisex names are growing in popularity. Charlie, Riley, Morgan, Rowan, and Quinn work well for both boys and girls.
Regional Differences Across the UK
Baby name preferences vary significantly across different parts of the United Kingdom:
Scotland
Scottish parents favour names like Isla (the perennial favourite), Harris, Eilidh, and Finlay. Traditional Gaelic names such as Ailsa, Hamish, and Struan remain popular in Scotland.
Wales
Welsh names are experiencing a renaissance. Ffion, Seren, Carys, and Megan are popular for girls; Dylan, Rhys, Owen, and Ieuan for boys. Some parents choose Welsh spellings like Siân instead of the Anglicised Jane.
Northern Ireland
Traditional Irish names like Aoife, Caoimhe, Oisín, and Cillian are popular, alongside more universal choices like Grace and James.
England
Regional variations exist within England too. London tends to be more diverse with multicultural names, while northern areas often favour more traditional British names.
Expert Tips for Choosing a Baby Name
- Initials: Check what initials the full name creates (avoid unfortunate acronyms like A.S.S.)
- Nicknames: Consider potential nicknames - both ones you like and ones you don't
- Sibling names: If you have other children, consider how names sound together
- Pronunciation: Choose a name that's easy to pronounce and spell
- Meaning: Research the name's meaning and origin
- Future-proofing: Imagine the name on a professional CV as well as a child's lunchbox
Baby Name Registration in the UK
Understanding the legal requirements for naming your baby is essential:
| Country | Registration Deadline | Where to Register | Standard Certificate Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| England & Wales | Within 42 days | Local Register Office | £11 |
| Scotland | Within 21 days | Local Registrar | £10 |
| Northern Ireland | Within 42 days | District Registrar | £15 |
What You'll Need for Registration
- Baby's chosen first name(s) and surname
- Date and place of birth
- Parents' names, addresses, and occupations
- Parents' places and dates of birth
- Date of marriage/civil partnership (if applicable)
Changing Your Baby's Name
If you change your mind about your baby's name, here are your options:
- Within 12 months: You can re-register the birth with a different name at the same register office
- After 12 months: You'll need to apply for a deed poll (also called a 'change of name deed')
- Adding a name: You can add a forename to an existing registration within 12 months
Popular Name Categories
Royal-Inspired Names
The Royal Family continues to influence baby naming. Following the births of royal children, names like Charlotte, Louis, Archie, and Lilibet saw significant increases in popularity.
Literary Names
Book-inspired names remain popular: Atticus (To Kill a Mockingbird), Hermione (Harry Potter), Matilda (Roald Dahl), and Scout are all in use.
Celebrity-Influenced Names
Celebrity baby names often spark trends. However, unique celebrity choices like Apple, North, or Pilot Inspektor typically don't translate to mass popularity in the UK.
Find Your Perfect Baby Name
Explore our baby name generator and discover the ideal name for your little one
Use Baby Name GeneratorFrequently Asked Questions
According to the latest ONS data, Olivia remains the most popular girls' name, while Noah has overtaken Oliver as the top boys' name in England and Wales. In Scotland, Isla and Jack continue to be the most popular names.
You must register your baby's birth within 42 days in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, or within 21 days in Scotland. Registration is done at your local register office. You'll need to provide the baby's name, date and place of birth, and parents' details. The birth certificate costs £11 (standard) or £35 (priority).
Yes, you can change your baby's name within 12 months of registration by re-registering the birth. After 12 months, you'll need to apply for a deed poll. For children under 16, both parents with parental responsibility must consent to the name change.
The UK has fewer restrictions than many countries, but registrars can refuse names that are offensive, impossible to pronounce, or could cause harm to the child. Names cannot contain numbers or symbols (except hyphens). Single-letter names and very long names (typically over 250 characters) may also be rejected.
Did You Know? UK Baby Naming Facts
Choosing a baby name is one of the most personal decisions new parents make, and the United Kingdom has some fascinating trends and regulations that are worth understanding during the naming process.
Registration rules in England and Wales. Under the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953, you must register your baby's name within 42 days of birth in England and Wales (21 days in Scotland). Unlike some countries, the UK has very few restrictions on baby names. There is no official list of approved names, and registrars have limited powers to refuse a name. However, names that are deemed offensive or could cause problems for the child may be queried. You can change a baby's name within the first 12 months by re-registering the birth, and after that through a deed poll, which costs nothing if done as an unenrolled deed poll.
ONS naming statistics. The Office for National Statistics publishes annual baby name data for England and Wales, providing a fascinating snapshot of cultural trends. In the most recent data, Oliver and Olivia maintained their positions as the most popular names, though regional variation is significant. Names popular in London often differ from those trending in the North East or Wales. The data also reveals the rise of gender-neutral names, with names like Charlie, Alex, and Riley appearing in both the boys' and girls' lists. Scotland publishes its own data through National Records of Scotland, and Northern Ireland through NISRA.
Cultural influences on UK naming. The UK's multicultural society is reflected in its baby name trends. Names from South Asian, Arabic, African, and Eastern European traditions regularly appear in the top 100 lists for many local authority areas. Muhammad and its variant spellings has been one of the most popular boys' names in England and Wales for several years. Welsh parents often choose traditional Welsh names such as Seren, Ffion, and Rhys, while Scottish favourites include Isla, Eilidh, and Hamish. Understanding the cultural diversity of UK naming helps parents consider how their chosen name will be received in their community.
Can I give my baby any name I want in the UK?
How do I check if a baby name is too popular or too unusual?
Can I change my baby's name after registration in the UK?
Dr. Sarah Chen, PhD
Research Scientist, Public Health
Sarah holds a PhD in Public Health from the University of Edinburgh and has published research on UK health metrics and obesity trends. She translates complex medical data into practical, accessible guidance for everyday readers.