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 3, 2024

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

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
Olivia		Girl	Peace; Olive tree
Oliver		Boy	Olive; Olive tree planter; Ancestor's descendant; All cautious
George		Boy	Farmer; Earth worker
Amelia		Girl	Hard working; Industrious
Noah		Unisex	Rest; Comfort
Isla		Girl	Island
Ava		Girl	Desire; Life; Bird-like; Voice; Sound
Arthur		Boy	Bear king; Bear
Harry		Boy	Ruler of the household
Mia		Girl	Mine; Dear; Darling; Wished-for child; Sea of bitterness; Beloved; Rebelliousness
Leo		Boy	Lion
Isabella		Girl	God is my oath
Sophia		Girl	She who possesses great knowledge and wisdom
Muhammad		Boy	Praiseworthy; Praised one; Praise; Commendable
Grace		Girl	Goodness; Generosity
Jack		Boy	God is gracious; Healthy; Supplanter
Lily		Girl	Name of a flower; Purity; Innocence
Charlie		Unisex	Free man; Army
Freya		Girl	A noble woman
Oscar		Boy	God's spear; Friend of deer
Emily		Girl	To strive; To excel; Hardworking; Rival
Jacob		Boy	May God protect; Holder of the heel; Supplanter
Henry		Boy	Home ruler
Ivy		Girl	Climber plant; Fig
Ella		Girl	Beautiful; Goddess; Other
Thomas		Boy	Twin
Rosie		Girl	Rose; Famous type
Freddie		Boy	Peace
Florence		Girl	Flourishing; Prosperous
Alfie		Boy	Elf counsel
Evie		Girl	Life; Breathe; Hazelnut
Theo		Boy	Gift of God; God; Folk; People
William		Boy	Will; Protector
Poppy		Girl	Red flowering plant
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
Edward		Boy	Rich guard
Sienna		Unisex	Reddish brown clay; Border; Wicker work
Alice		Girl	Noble; Kind; Nobility
Lucas		Boy	Bringer of light; From Lucania; Light
Tommy		Boy	Twin
Sofia		Girl	Wisdom
Finley		Boy	Fair hero; White Warrior
Ruby		Girl	A precious red jewel; Red gemstone
Isabelle		Girl	My God is an oath; Devoted to God
Max		Boy	The greatest
Logan		Boy	Little hollow
Ethan		Boy	Enduring; Firm; Strong
Matilda		Girl	Strength in battle
Mohammed		Boy	Praised; Commendable
Daisy		Girl	Daisy flower; Day eye
Emilia		Girl	Rival; Laborious; Eager
Teddy		Unisex	Rich guard; Gift of God
Benjamin		Boy	Son of the right hand; Son of the south
Jessica		Girl	God beholds
Sebastian		Boy	From Sebaste; Venerable; Exalted
Arlo		Boy	Fortified hill; Between two highlands
Joseph		Boy	He will add; Praise
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
Millie		Girl	Gentle strength; Brave
Harrison		Boy	House ruler; Son of Harry
Eliza		Girl	My God is an oath; Pledged to God; Joyful
Elijah		Boy	Yahweh is my God
Chloe		Girl	Fresh blooming; Ripe green shoot; Yellow
Adam		Boy	Son of the Earth; Formed of earth; Red; One from the soil
Daniel		Boy	God is my judge
Maisie		Girl	Pearl
Samuel		Boy	Name of God; God has heard
Penelope		Girl	Weaver; Duck
Louie		Boy	Famous warrior
Mason		Boy	Stone worker
Esme		Boy	Esteemed; Love; Supreme
Reuben		Boy	Behold a son
Scarlett		Girl	The color scarlet; Bright red; A person who sold or made clothes made of scarlet
Albie		Unisex	From Alba; Bright; Noble
Imogen		Girl	Maiden; Beloved child
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;
Layla		Girl	Night; Dark
Hugo		Boy	Mind; Spirit; Thought
Luca		Boy	Bringer of light; From Lucania; Light
Harriet		Girl	Home ruler
Zachary		Boy	Yahweh has remembered; To remember
Mila		Girl	Gracious; Dear; Soldier; Miracles
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