Popular British Baby Names for Boys and Girls With Meanings
In this Article
The baby name selection process can be a stressful yet memorable experience for all parents. Christianity, colonization, and the traditions of England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland have deeply impacted the British culture. Cultural differences between these countries are most visible in each of these countries’ unique history, heritage, regional dialects, and accents. Similarly, the British naming conventions have evolved to achieve a distinct entity that applies to medieval and modern European rulers and nobility. Most often, the same given names are often shared between people of neighboring countries. The most common names of Britain can range from traditional to offbeat, keeping up with the latest trends. Unique names carry a certain degree of ambiguity that may set a person apart from the crowd and help to trace their national identity. Here is a comprehensive summary of the naming tradition of Britain that throws light on the different origins, variations, and usages of given names.
Naming Tradition in British Culture
Rampant Immigration over the past two decades has contributed to the multicultural identity of the UK. British names are mostly taken from the Old English, which makes them quite graceful and strong. Although their origins are rooted in history, most have a wide range of alternative versions that offer more versatile choices to parents. Here are some of the naming traditions that are followed in British Culture.:
- Biblical names or names taken from religious principles are common in British culture.
- The most aesthetically appealing names are taken from popular culture.
- Shortened versions of traditional names are chosen.
- British ‘royal’ names or ones used by the British monarchy are also commonly chosen.
- British names are arranged as the first given name followed by the middle name and then the family name.
- The ‘first name’ or a ‘personal name’ or ‘given name is chosen at birth.
- British names are traditionally patrilineal. Although this custom is not necessarily enforced upon an individual.
Popular British Baby Names for Boys
Whether old-fashioned or modern, popular British Baby names for boys have a distinctive style. Here is an engaging list of some of the best British baby boy names that can be an inspiration while naming your little champ.
1. Abigail
Derived from Hebrew, Abigail means ‘the cause of joy.’
2. Ashton
Derived from Old English, Aston means ‘from the ash tree’ or ‘ash tree town.’
3. Archibald
Archibald means genuine or ‘precious’ and bald ‘bold’ composed of the Germanic elements.
4. Brooks
Derived from the Germanic origin, Brooks translates to ‘water’ or ‘small stream.’
5. Balthazar
Balthazar is a Biblical name traditionally referred to as ‘the King of Macedonia’ and ‘gave the gift of myrrh to Jesus.’ It also means ‘god protects the king.’
6. Berty
Derived from Old Germanic origin, Berty means ‘noble’ or ‘bright light.’
7. Colt
Derived from Latin origin, Colt means ‘young horse.’
8. Casper
Derived from Aramaic, Casper means ‘Treasurer.’
9. Daxton
Originating from French, Daxton means ‘from the town of Dax’ or ‘Warrior who conquers great obstacles.
10. Digby
Digby comes from the Old English did meaning ‘dyke, ditch’ and Old Norse word meaning ‘farm, settlement.’ Thus Digby means ‘town by the ditch.
11. Edward
Derived from the Anglo-Saxon Éadƿeard, Edward is composed of the elements ‘wealth, fortune, prosperous’ and ƿeard ‘guardian, protector.
12. Fraser
This Scottish name refers to ‘Strawberry flowers.’
13. Freddie
Freddie has a Germanic origin and means ‘Peaceful Ruler;’ or ‘Power.’
14. Guy
Guy means ‘guide, leader’ in French.
15. Hugh
Derived from British origin, Hugh is the English variant of the German names Hugo and Uwe and means ‘soul,’ ‘mind,’ and ‘intellect.’
16. Jovan
Derived from Slavic, Hebrew, and Latin origins, Jovan means ‘God is Gracious’ and ‘Father.’
17. Kit
Kit means ‘pure’ in English.
18. Landen
Derived from Latin, Landen means ‘Open’ or ‘grassy meadow.’
19. Munro
Munro is a Scottish name that means ‘man from the River Roe.’
20. Ned
Ned means ‘guardian of the riches’ or ‘wealthy’ in Old English.
21. Otto
This Germanic name means ‘wealth and prosperity.
22. Percy
Percy means ’one who pierces the valley.’
23. Rex
Rex means ‘king’ in Latin.
24. Stanley
Stanley means ‘stony field’ in English.
25. Terrell
This English name means ‘Thunder Ruler.
Popular British Baby Names for Girls
Ranging from the gamut of elegant classics to cute names, the sweet meanings of British names make them extremely popular and seal their place in the popularity charts in the present times. Here are some of the best British names for baby girls that parents may consider during the name selection process for their little angel.
1. Agnes
Agnes is a Latin name that means ‘pure’ or ‘holy.’
2. Annabelle
Derived from French origin, Annabelle means ‘favored grace.’
3. Bertha
Derived from Old High German bertha, Bertha means ‘bright one.’
4. Bella
Bella means ‘beautiful’ in French.
5. Chloe
Chloe means ’blooming’ or ‘fertility’ in Greek.
6. Clara
Clara comes from the Late Latin name Clarus which means ‘clear, bright, and famous.’
7. Daisy
This Old English name means ‘Day’s Eye.’
8. Eva
Derived from a Hebrew name, Eva means ’life’ or ‘living one.’
9. Florence
This Latin name means ‘Blossom.’
10. Gracie
Derived from Latin origin, Gracie means ‘Favor,’ ‘Blessing,’ or ‘grace of god.’
11. Georgia
Georgia means ‘agriculture’ in Greek.
12. Hazel
Derived from English origin, Hazel means ‘the hazelnut tree.’
13. Hannah
This Hebrew name means ‘grace’ or ‘favor.’
14. Ivy
Ivy means ‘vine’ in Latin.
15. Jemma
This Hebrew name means ‘gem.’
16. Katherine
This Latin name means ‘pure.’
17. Lucy
Derived from the Latin name Lucius, Lucy means ‘as of light.’
18. Marigold
Marigold means ‘golden flower’ in English.
19. Neve
Derived from Irish and Latin roots, Nancy means ‘snow,’ ‘bright,’ or ‘radiant.’
20. Ophelia
Ophelia means ‘aid’ or ‘benefit’ in Greek.
21. Primrose
Derived from Latin prima Rosa, Primrose means ‘first rose.
22. Ruby
Derived from Latin and French origin, Ruby means ‘deep red precious stone.’
23. Saffron
Saffron means ‘yellow flower’ in English.
24. Tiffany
Tiffany means ‘manifestation of God’ in Greek.
25. Una
Derived from the Irish word ‘lamb, Una means ‘the personification of truth, beauty, and unity.’
Gender Neutral British Baby Names
Irrespective of their gender, Beautiful names in British have an understated charm that makes them extremely popular. Moreover, modern parents are keen to avoid monikers that reveal the gender of a child. Here are some of the best unisex British names that have made their way into the hearts of new-age parents.
1. Audrey
Audrey means ‘noble strength’ in Old English.
2. Avery
Based on the names Alberich and Alfred, Avery means ‘elf power’ and ‘elf counsel,’ which has a Norman-French origin.
3. Bronte
Bronte means ‘bestower’ in Gaelic.
4. Bryn
Bryn is Welsh in origin and means ‘hill’ or ‘mound.’
5. Carmel
Carmel means ‘vineyard’ in Celtic.
6. Chelsea
Chelsea means ‘chalk landing place’ in Hebrew.
7. Dakota
This striking gender-neutral name comes from a Native American Sioux tribe and means ‘friend’ or ‘ally.’
8. Eden
Eden means ‘place of pleasure’ in Hebrew.
9. Effie
Effie means ‘well-spoken’ in Greek.
10. Garnet
This Germanic name means ‘a red semi-precious stone’.
11. Indigo
Indigo means ‘purple blue’ in Greek.
12. Janae
Janae means ‘God has answered’ in Hebrew.
13. Kendall
Kendall means ‘valley on the River Kent.’
14. Kelly
This Anglicized form of Gaelic Ó Ceallaigh, ‘descendant of Ceallach’, is an ancient Irish personal name that means ‘bright-headed.’
15. Lindsay
Lindsay means ‘Lincoln Island’ in Old English.
16. Parker
Parker is a unisex name of Old English origin, meaning ‘park keeper.’
17. Quinn
This Irish name means ‘wise.’
18. Rowan
Derived from the Anglicized Irish surname O Ruadhain, Rowan means ‘descendant of Ruadhan.’ It also stands for ‘Rowan tree.’
19. River
The river is a gender-neutral name of British origin that means a flowing body of water.’
20. Shelby
This historical gender-neutral name, Shelby, means ‘willow farm’ in Old Norse.
21. Stevie
The Greek name comes from the word Stephanos meaning ‘crown.’
22. Verity
Verity means ‘truth.’
23. Whitney
Whitney means ‘White Island’ in English.
24. West
West is a gender-neutral name of Old English origin, meaning ‘western stream.’
25. Zoe
Zoe means ‘life’ in Greek.
From straight-up classics inspired by noble families and tradition to trendy, British names can play a significant role in your child’s life and ensure they remain as unique as them for the rest of their life.
