The name of your child can define his or her
entire life, so it should always be chosen wisely.
British names have a special charm and classy
vibe, which is why so many people turn their
attention to them. Check out some of the most
beautiful British baby names and choose the one
that appeals to you!
British girl names
– Olivia. It gained initial popularity in England after
William Shakespeare’s play “Twelfth Night” came
out. Olivia is derived from the Latin word Oliva,
which means “olive tree”, and the mentions of it in
British history date back to the thirteenth century.
– Sophia. Originally, it was derived from the Greek
language, meaning “wisdom” or “skill”. It became
popular in England in the 17th century after it was
given to the daughter of James I.
– Lily. It was inspired by the flower lily and
became very popular in England and other English-
speaking countries in the late 20th century. The lily
flower symbolises purity, passion, and rebirth.
– Ava. According to popular belief, it was derived
either from the Latin word “avis”, which means
“bird”, or from the Hebrew form of Eve, Chava. It
has become increasingly popular thanks to the
actress Ava Gardner.
– Mia. It is strongly associated with the Spanish
and Italian words “mia”, which mean “mine”. It
could have also originated from the Slavic word
“Mila”, the meaning of which is “darling” or “dear”.
– Isla. It is a historically Scottish name derived
from the word “Islay”, the island situated off the
west coast of Scotland. Some of the alternate
historical versions are Ile and Ila.
– Amelia. Initially, it was a blend of such medieval
names as Amalia and Emilia, which are still quite
popular as variations of it. Amelia means “striving”
and “industrious”. One of the most popular bearers
of the name is Amelia Earhart, the famous aviator.
– Isabella. Not many know, but Isabella is a
variation of Isabel, which is, in return, a variation of
Elizabeth. The meaning is “devoted to God”, as it
translates from Hebrew. In medieval times, it was
prominent not only in Britain but all over Europe —
many countries had an Isabella in their royal
family.
– Emily. Today, Emily is one of the most famous
names in England and the English-speaking world,
but it originally derived from old Rome. The Latin
“Aemilia” came from “Aemilius”, the ancient Roman
surname meaning “rival, trying to excel”.
– Grace. It became famous thanks to the Puritans
in the 17th century who gave it to girls in God’s
favour. The word “grace” combines mercy,
kindness and beauty.
Next, here are some popular British names for
boys that you might like. Naturally, British male
names are no less lovely than female ones.
– Noah. Initially, it came from the Bible, with the
meaning “comfort” and “rest” in Hebrew. Noah,
from the Bible, is the ark builder who survived the
great flood. Nowadays, it is given to a lot of boys
in Britain, and sometimes to girls.
– George. In Greek, “georgos” meant “farmer” or
“tiller of the soil”. For England, this name has
major significance as the patron saint of the land
is St. George. Another famous bearer is the young
Prince George, who might be behind the recent
popularity of it.
– Oliver. It is basically a male variation of Olivia.
It was inspired by the olive tree which symbolises
dignity, beauty and fruitfulness.
– Charlie. This version of Charles means “free
man”. It is usually considered a name for an easy-
going person and is given to both boys and girls,
though primarily to boys. It also has plenty of
references in pop culture, the most notable being
Charlie Chaplin and “Charlie’s Angels”.
– Harry. It means “house protector” or “army
commander”. For British people, Harry is strongly
associated with Prince Harry of England.
– Leo. In Latin, it means “lion”, and a few saints
and popes were named Leo. It can also be a short
form for Leopold or Leon. Some of the famous
Leos include the writer Leo Tolstoy and the actor,
Leonardo Di Caprio.
– Arthur. It came from the Roman name
“Artorius”, the meaning of which was “noble” and
“courageous”. In Britain, it is popular because of
the legendary King Arthur with his round table of
knights.
– Jack. It was originally derived from Jackin
(Jankin), which was the medieval form of John. It
was common in the Middle Ages and some
famous writers such as Jack London and Jack
Kerouac, proudly had it.
– Freddie. It is a pet form of Frederick, which
initially came from Germany. “Fridu” meant “peace”,
while “Ric,” had a meaning of “power”. It’s most
famous bearer was the musician Freddie Mercury.
– Ethan. In Hebrew, Ethan meant “strong”, “firm”
and “long-lived”. It appears in the Bible. Nowadays,
it is one of the most popular names in Great
Britain.
Now, here are some common British surnames for
you.
– Noah. Initially, it came from the Bible, with the
meaning “comfort” and “rest” in Hebrew. Noah,
from the Bible, is the ark builder who survived the
great flood. Nowadays, it is given to a lot of boys
in Britain, and sometimes to girls.
– George. In Greek, “georgos” meant “farmer” or
“tiller of the soil”. For England, this name has
major significance as the patron saint of the land
is St. George. Another famous bearer is the young
Prince George, who might be behind the recent
popularity of it.
– Oliver. It is basically a male variation of Olivia.
It was inspired by the olive tree which symbolises
dignity, beauty and fruitfulness.
– Charlie. This version of Charles means “free
man”. It is usually considered a name for an easy-
going person and is given to both boys and girls,
though primarily to boys. It also has plenty of
references in pop culture, the most notable being
Charlie Chaplin and “Charlie’s Angels”.
– Harry. It means “house protector” or “army
commander”. For British people, Harry is strongly
associated with Prince Harry of England.
– Leo. In Latin, it means “lion”, and a few saints
and popes were named Leo. It can also be a short
form for Leopold or Leon. Some of the famous
Leos include the writer Leo Tolstoy and the actor,
Leonardo Di Caprio.
– Arthur. It came from the Roman name
“Artorius”, the meaning of which was “noble” and
“courageous”. In Britain, it is popular because of
the legendary King Arthur with his round table of
knights.
– Jack. It was originally derived from Jackin
(Jankin), which was the medieval form of John. It
was common in the Middle Ages and some
famous writers such as Jack London and Jack
Kerouac, proudly had it.
– Freddie. It is a pet form of Frederick, which
initially came from Germany. “Fridu” meant “peace”,
while “Ric,” had a meaning of “power”. It’s most
famous bearer was the musician Freddie Mercury.
– Ethan. In Hebrew, Ethan meant “strong”, “firm”
and “long-lived”. It appears in the Bible. Nowadays,
it is one of the most popular names in Great
Britain.
Below are the 100 most popular baby names for
boys and girls in England and Wales – taken from
the most recent set of ONS official statistics
released in 2018.
Oliver remains the most popular first name given
to baby boys in England and Wales, a position
held since 2013, while Harry and George have kept
their second and third positions respectively since
2016.
As for popular girls’ names, Olivia remained the
most popular first name, a position held since
2016; Amelia remained in second place, and Isla
moved up to third.
If you’re currently expecting, take a look at this
year’s list for some baby name inspiration. And if
you’ve already got a child, do let us know over on
Baby Names Talk whether your chosen name
made it into the top 100.
Young-po Reporters 