Top 200 British names for boys and girls
From popular picks like Olivia and Oliver to posh and traditional names like Rupert and Beatrice, we’ve rounded up the best British baby names to inspire you.
Whether you’re after a name that feels posh and elegant, a popular British staple, or something more traditional and timeless, our list of 200 British names for boys and girls has something for every parent.
We’ve carefully grouped these names into themed sections – from classy and classic to unique and uncommon picks.
Some names appear in more than one category – and that’s by design. A name like Henry, for instance, is both a beloved traditional name and one of the UK’s most popular choices today. So, rather than aiming for strict uniqueness, we’ve focused on curating a list that reflects how names are truly used, loved, and recognised across Britain.
- British boy names
- British girls names
- Popular British names
- Unique British names
- Traditional British names
British boy names
From posh picks to modern British favourites, here are some of the best British boy names in use today.
From posh picks to modern British favourites, here are some of the best British boy names in use today.
1. Archie
Meaning: Bold or brave
Origin: Germanic
2. Alfie
Meaning: Wise counsellor
Origin: English
3. Arthur
Meaning: Bear
Origin: Celtic
4. Benjamin
Meaning: Son of the right hand
Origin: Hebrew
5. Callum
Meaning: Dove
Origin: Scottish Gaelic
6. Charles
Meaning: Free man
Origin: Germanic
7. Christopher
Meaning: Bearer of Christ
Origin: Greek
8. Daniel
Meaning: God is my judge
Origin: Hebrew
9. Edward
Meaning: Wealthy guardian
Origin: English
10. Elliot
Meaning: Jehovah is God
Origin: Hebrew/English
11. Felix
Meaning: Lucky; successful
Origin: Latin
12. Freddie
Meaning: Peaceful ruler
Origin: Germanic
13. George
Meaning: Farmer
Origin: Greek
14. Harry
Meaning: Home ruler
Origin: English
15. Henry
Meaning: Estate ruler
Origin: Germanic
16. Hugo
Meaning: Mind, intellect
Origin: Germanic
17. Isaac
Meaning: Laughter
Origin: Hebrew
18. Jack
Meaning: God is gracious
Origin: English
19. James
Meaning: Supplanter
Origin: Hebrew
20. Jasper
Meaning: Bringer of treasure
Origin: Persian
21. Jonathan
Meaning: God has given
Origin: Hebrew
22. Joseph
Meaning: God will increase
Origin: Hebrew
23. Laurence
Meaning: From Laurentum
Origin: Latin
24. Leo
Meaning: Lion
Origin: Latin
25. Louis
Meaning: Famous warrior
Origin: French/Germanic
26. Lucas
Meaning: Light
Origin: Latin/Greek
27. Maxwell
Meaning: Great stream
Origin: Scottish
28. Miles
Meaning: Soldier
Origin: Latin
29. Nathaniel
Meaning: Gift of God
Origin: Hebrew
30. Noah
Meaning: Rest; comfort
Origin: Hebrew
31. Oliver
Meaning: Olive tree
Origin: Latin
32. Oscar
Meaning: Friend of deer
Origin: Irish
33. Patrick
Meaning: Nobleman
Origin: Latin
34. Peter
Meaning: Rock
Origin: Greek
35. Ralph
Meaning: Wolf counsel
Origin: English
36. Reuben
Meaning: Behold, a son
Origin: Hebrew
37. Rhys
Meaning: Enthusiasm
Origin: Welsh
38. Robert
Meaning: Bright fame
Origin: Germanic
39. Rowan
Meaning: Little redhead
Origin: Gaelic
40. Samuel
Meaning: God has heard
Origin: Hebrew
41. Sebastian
Meaning: Revered
Origin: Greek
42. Simon
Meaning: To hear
Origin: Hebrew
43. Theodore
Meaning: Gift of God
Origin: Greek
44. Thomas
Meaning: Twin
Origin: Aramaic
45. Toby
Meaning: God is good
Origin: Hebrew
46. Tristan
Meaning: Tumult or outcry
Origin: Celtic
47. Victor
Meaning: Conqueror
Origin: Latin
48. William
Meaning: Resolute protector
Origin: Germanic
49. Xavier
Meaning: Bright; new house
Origin: Arabic/Basque
50. Zachary
Meaning: The Lord has remembered
Origin: Hebrew
British girls names
These girl names are full of elegance, charm and timeless British flair.
51. Alice
Origin: Germanic
Meaning: Noble
52. Amelia
Origin: Germanic
Meaning: Work; industrious
53. Annabelle
Origin: French
Meaning: Graceful and beautiful
54. Beatrice
Origin: Latin
Meaning: She who brings happiness
55. Bethany
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: House of figs
56. Charlotte
Origin: French
Meaning: Free woman
57. Clara
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Bright; clear
58. Daisy
Origin: English
Meaning: Day's eye (a flower)
59. Eleanor
Origin: Old French
Meaning: Light
60. Elizabeth
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Pledged to God
61. Emily
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Rival; industrious
62. Emma
Origin: Germanic
Meaning: Whole or universal
63. Evelyn
Origin: English
Meaning: Wished for child
64. Florence
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Flourishing; prosperous
65. Freya
Origin: Norse
Meaning: Noble woman
66. Georgina
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Farmer
67. Grace
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Charm; goodness
68. Harriet
Origin: Germanic
Meaning: Estate ruler
69. Hazel
Origin: English
Meaning: The hazel tree
70. Imogen
Origin: Celtic
Meaning: Maiden
71. Isabella
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Pledged to God
72. Isla
Origin: Scottish
Meaning: Island
73. Ivy
Origin: English
Meaning: The ivy plant
74. Jemima
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Dove
75. Jessica
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: God beholds
76. Josephine
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: God will increase
77. Katherine
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Pure
78. Lillian
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Lily
79. Lucy
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Light
80. Lydia
Origin: Greek
Meaning: From Lydia (a region in Asia Minor)
81. Madeline
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Woman from Magdala
82. Margaret
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Pearl
83. Matilda
Origin: Germanic
Meaning: Battle-mighty
84. Megan
Origin: Welsh
Meaning: Pearl
85. Millicent
Origin: Germanic
Meaning: Strong in work
86. Naomi
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Pleasantness
87. Olivia
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Olive tree
88. Penelope
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Weaver
89. Pippa
Origin: English
Meaning: Lover of horses (diminutive of Philippa)
90. Phoebe
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Bright, radiant
91. Rosalind
Origin: Germanic
Meaning: Gentle horse
92. Rose
Origin: Latin
Meaning: The rose flower
93. Ruby
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Precious red stone
94. Sophie
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Wisdom
95. Susannah
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Lily
96. Tabitha
Origin: Aramaic
Meaning: Gazelle
97. Theodora
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Gift of God
98. Victoria
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Victory
99. Violet
Origin: Latin
Meaning: The violet flower
100. Winifred
Origin: Welsh
Meaning: Blessed peacemaking
Popular British names
These are among the most commonly used and widely loved baby names across the UK today.
101. Alexander
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Defender of the people
102. Alfie
Origin: English
Meaning: Wise counsellor
103. Amelia
Origin: Germanic
Meaning: Work; industrious
104. Archie
Origin: Germanic
Meaning: Bold or brave
105. Arthur
Origin: Celtic
Meaning: Bear
106. Charlotte
Origin: French
Meaning: Free woman
107. Daisy
Origin: English
Meaning: Day's eye (a flower)
108. Edward
Origin: English
Meaning: Wealthy guardian
109. Eleanor
Origin: Old French
Meaning: Light
110. Emily
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Rival; industrious
111. Florence
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Flourishing; prosperous
112. George
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Farmer
113. Grace
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Charm; goodness
114. Harry
Origin: English
Meaning: Home ruler
115. Henry
Origin: Germanic
Meaning: Estate ruler
116. Isabella
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Pledged to God
117. Jack
Origin: English
Meaning: God is gracious
118. James
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Supplanter
119. Leo
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Lion
120. Lily
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Lily flower
121. Lucas
Origin: Latin/Greek
Meaning: Light
122. Noah
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Rest; comfort
123. Oliver
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Olive tree
124. Olivia
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Olive tree
125. Oscar
Origin: Irish
Meaning: Friend of deer
126. Ruby
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Precious red stone
127. Samuel
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: God has heard
128. Sophie
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Wisdom
129. Thomas
Origin: Aramaic
Meaning: Twin
130. William
Origin: Germanic
Meaning: Resolute protector
Unique British names
If you're looking for something more rare and memorable, these British names stand out for all the right reasons.
131. Alistair
Origin: Scottish
Meaning: Defender of mankind
132. Ambrose
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Immortal
133. Balthazar
Origin: Babylonian
Meaning: Baal protects the king
134. Barnaby
Origin: English
Meaning: Son of consolation
135. Benedict
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Blessed
136. Cressida
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Golden
137. Digby
Origin: Norse/English
Meaning: Town by a ditch
138. Edmund
Origin: English
Meaning: Prosperous protector
139. Elodie
Origin: French
Meaning: Foreign riches
140. Evander
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Good man
141. Fergus
Origin: Scottish
Meaning: Man of force
142. Hamish
Origin: Scottish
Meaning: Supplanter
143. Inigo
Origin: Spanish
Meaning: Fiery
144. Isolde
Origin: Welsh
Meaning: Ice ruler
145. Jago
Origin: Cornish
Meaning: Supplanter
146. Kit
Origin: English
Meaning: Bearer of Christ
147. Lancelot
Origin: Old French
Meaning: Servant
148. Lysander
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Liberator
149. Montague
Origin: French
Meaning: Pointed hill
150. Nell
Origin: English
Meaning: Bright, shining one
Traditional British names
These names have stood the test of time and are full of classic British charm.
151. Agatha
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Good, kind
152. Albert
Origin: Germanic
Meaning: Noble and bright
153. Alfred
Origin: Old English
Meaning: Wise counsellor
154. Archibald
Origin: Germanic
Meaning: Genuine, bold
155. Augusta
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Great; magnificent
156. Bernard
Origin: Germanic
Meaning: Brave as a bear
157. Bertram
Origin: Germanic
Meaning: Bright raven
158. Cecil
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Blind
159. Clementine
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Merciful
160. Clarence
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Bright; clear
161. Constance
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Steadfast, constant
162. Dorothy
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Gift of God
163. Ebenezer
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Stone of help
164. Edmund
Origin: English
Meaning: Prosperous protector
165. Edwin
Origin: Old English
Meaning: Rich friend
166. Ernest
Origin: Germanic
Meaning: Serious; determined
167. Eugenia
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Well-born
168. Eustace
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Fruitful; steadfast
169. Felicity
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Happiness; good fortune
170. Frederick
Origin: Germanic
Meaning: Peaceful ruler
171. Gerald
Origin: Germanic
Meaning: Spear rule
172. Gertrude
Origin: Germanic
Meaning: Spear of strength
173. Gilbert
Origin: Germanic
Meaning: Bright pledge
174. Harold
Origin: Old English
Meaning: Army ruler
175. Henrietta
Origin: Germanic
Meaning: Estate ruler
176. Horace
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Timekeeper
177. Horatio
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Timekeeper
178. Humphrey
Origin: Germanic
Meaning: Peaceful warrior
179. Leonard
Origin: Germanic
Meaning: Brave lion
180. Letitia
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Joy, gladness
181. Lionel
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Young lion
182. Mabel
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Lovable
183. Martha
Origin: Aramaic
Meaning: Lady; mistress
184. Mildred
Origin: Old English
Meaning: Gentle strength
185. Nigel
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Champion
186. Oswald
Origin: Old English
Meaning: Divine power
187. Percival
Origin: Old French
Meaning: Pierce the valley
188. Phineas
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Oracle; mouth of brass
189. Prudence
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Good judgment
190. Reginald
Origin: Germanic
Meaning: Ruler's advisor
191. Rosamund
Origin: Germanic
Meaning: Horse protector
192. Rupert
Origin: Germanic
Meaning: Bright fame
193. Seymour
Origin: French
Meaning: Marshy land near the sea
194. Sybil
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Prophetess
195. Thaddeus
Origin: Aramaic
Meaning: Heart; courageous heart
196. Timothy
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Honouring God
197. Ursula
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Little bear
198. Wallace
Origin: Old French
Meaning: Welshman; foreigner
199. Wilfred
Origin: Old English
Meaning: Desiring peace
200. Winifred
Origin: Welsh
Meaning: Blessed peacemaking
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Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.