Top Baby Names In UK For 2021

From Oliver to Isla, UK’s top favorite revealed.

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Last Updated on Oct 3, 2024

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Parents in the UK, choose their baby names based on multiple factors such as personal preference, family tradition, and trends. The list of top UK baby names in 2021 indicates that tradition and famous personalities influenced the most popular names. The list also shows the growing love for names of foreign origin.

For boys, the timeless favorites Oliver (olive tree planter), George (farmer), and Arthur (a bear) remained on top of the list as their traditional allure and versatility continued to attract parents. Moreover, George is also the name of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s eldest son, which probably added to its popularity. Foreign-language names like the Hebrew Noah (to rest), Arabic Muhammad (praised one), and Irish Oscar (deer friend) also made their way up the charts, mixing up with the old favorites.

The trend continued for girl names as well. The classics Olivia (olive tree), Amelia (work), and Isla (island) lead the list as parents showered love on these traditional names. Meanwhile, short and cute names such as Ava (guarantee), Mia (dear), and Ivy (climber plant) also rose in popularity as parent appreciated their simplicity. Look at the list below to see the most popular names in the UK, as recorded by the Office for National Statistics (1).

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
Amelia		Girl	Hard working; Industrious
George		Boy	Farmer; Earth worker
Isla		Girl	Island
Arthur		Boy	Bear king; Bear
Ava		Girl	Desire; Life; Bird-like; Voice; Sound
Noah		Unisex	Rest; Comfort
Muhammad		Boy	Praiseworthy; Praised one; Praise; Commendable
Mia		Girl	Mine; Dear; Darling; Wished-for child; Sea of bitterness; Beloved; Rebelliousness
Ivy		Girl	Climber plant; Fig
Leo		Boy	Lion
Lily		Girl	Name of a flower; Purity; Innocence
Oscar		Boy	God's spear; Friend of deer
Isabella		Girl	God is my oath
Harry		Boy	Ruler of the household
Archie		Boy	Holy and bold; Genuine and brave; Brave master
Rosie		Girl	Rose; Famous type
Jack		Boy	God is gracious; Healthy; Supplanter
Sophia		Girl	She who possesses great knowledge and wisdom
Henry		Boy	Home ruler
Grace		Girl	Goodness; Generosity
Freya		Girl	A noble woman
Charlie		Unisex	Free man; Army
Freddie		Boy	Peace
Florence		Girl	Flourishing; Prosperous
Theodore		Unisex	God's gift
Thomas		Boy	Twin
Emily		Girl	To strive; To excel; Hardworking; Rival
Ella		Girl	Beautiful; Goddess; Other
Finley		Boy	Fair hero; White Warrior
Poppy		Girl	Red flowering plant
Theo		Boy	Gift of God; God; Folk; People
Evie		Girl	Life; Breathe; Hazelnut
Alfie		Boy	Elf counsel
Jacob		Boy	May God protect; Holder of the heel; Supplanter
Elsie		Girl	God is my oath; Pledged to God
William		Boy	Will; Protector
Charlotte		Girl	Free person; Petite
Isaac		Boy	He will laugh; He will rejoice; Laughter
Evelyn		Girl	Life; Hazelnut; Lake; Beauty
Tommy		Boy	Twin
Sienna		Unisex	Reddish brown clay; Border; Wicker work
Sofia		Girl	Wisdom
Joshua		Boy	God is salvation
James		Boy	Supplanter
Daisy		Girl	Daisy flower; Day eye
Phoebe		Girl	Bright; Radiant
Lucas		Boy	Bringer of light; From Lucania; Light
Sophie		Girl	She who is wise
Alexander		Boy	Defender of mankind
Arlo		Boy	Fortified hill; Between two highlands
Alice		Girl	Noble; Kind; Nobility
Roman		Boy	Strong or powerful.
Matilda		Girl	Strength in battle
Edward		Boy	Rich guard
Elijah		Boy	Yahweh is my God
Ruby		Girl	A precious red jewel; Red gemstone
Emilia		Girl	Rival; Laborious; Eager
Teddy		Unisex	Rich guard; Gift of God
Maya		Girl	Illusion; Magic; Sea of bitterness; Beloved; Good mother; Dame
Mohammed		Boy	Praised; Commendable
Millie		Girl	Gentle strength; Brave
Max		Boy	The greatest
Isabelle		Girl	My God is an oath; Devoted to God
Adam		Boy	Son of the Earth; Formed of earth; Red; One from the soil
Eva		Girl	To breathe; To live; Mother of life; Full of life
Albie		Unisex	From Alba; Bright; Noble
Luna		Girl	Moon
Ethan		Boy	Enduring; Firm; Strong
Jessica		Girl	God beholds
Logan		Boy	Little hollow
Joseph		Boy	He will add; Praise
Ada		Girl	Noble; First-born girl; Island; Adornment; Ornament;
Sebastian		Boy	From Sebaste; Venerable; Exalted
Aria		Girl	Song; Air; Melody
Arabella		Girl	Lovable; Invokable; Yielding to prayer; Beautiful grace
Benjamin		Boy	Son of the right hand; Son of the south
Maisie		Girl	Pearl
Harrison		Boy	House ruler; Son of Harry
Esme		Boy	Esteemed; Love; Supreme
Mason		Boy	Stone worker
Rory		Boy	Red king; Joyful
Eliza		Girl	My God is an oath; Pledged to God; Joyful
Penelope		Girl	Weaver; Duck
Reuben		Boy	Behold a son
Luca		Boy	Bringer of light; From Lucania; Light
Bonnie		Girl	Beautiful; Good
Louie		Boy	Famous warrior
Chloe		Girl	Fresh blooming; Ripe green shoot; Yellow
Samuel		Boy	Name of God; God has heard
Mila		Girl	Gracious; Dear; Soldier; Miracles
Reggie		Boy	Powerful advisor; Wise ruler
Violet		Girl	Purple; Purple flower
Jaxon		Boy	Son of Jack; God is gracious
Hallie		Girl	Dweller at the meadow; Clearing
Daniel		Boy	God is my judge
Scarlett		Girl	The color scarlet; Bright red; A person who sold or made clothes made of scarlet
Layla		Girl	Night; Dark
Hugo		Boy	Mind; Spirit; Thought

The list of top UK baby names in 2021 contains a wide range of names that are loved and approved by English parents. While some of these names have maintained their top spot on the list, others are slowly rising the charts as they make their way into the hearts of parents. When considering a name for your child, ensure it is meaningful and has a good sound. Easy pronunciation and spelling make the name even more appealing, as it will be easier for others to remember and for your child to use confidently throughout their life.

Infographic: Trendy Names Inspired By Famous British Figures

Some names are popular because of their meaning, and others because of their interesting sound. But some baby names become popular because they’re connected to famous people. Check out the infographic below to see names common in the UK and linked to well-known British personalities.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team