Top British Baby Names with Meanings

British baby names are admired worldwide for their elegance, history, and timeless appeal. Rooted in English, Scottish, Welsh, and Irish origins, many names have royal, literary, or cultural significance. Whether you’re seeking classic, modern, or unique British baby names, these choices bring a perfect mix of tradition and charm.

British Boy Names with Meanings

British boy names often carry strong historical ties, noble backgrounds, and modern flair. Many are inspired by kings, famous poets, and cultural icons.

1. Oliver – A popular British name meaning “olive tree,” symbolizing peace.
2. George – Derived from Greek, meaning “farmer” or “earthworker.”
3. Harry – A classic name meaning “home ruler,” loved for its royal associations.
4. William – Meaning “resolute protector,” famously tied to Prince William.
5. Arthur – A legendary name meaning “bear,” linked to King Arthur.
6. James – Of Hebrew origin, meaning “supplanter,” widely used in Britain.
7. Edward – Meaning “wealthy guardian,” known from Edwardian kings.
8. Charles – Meaning “free man,” connected to British royalty.
9. Henry – A royal name meaning “estate ruler.”
10. Thomas – A timeless name meaning “twin.”
11. Freddie – A short form of Frederick, meaning “peaceful ruler.”
12. Alfie – A sweet name meaning “wise counselor.”
13. Samuel – Meaning “heard by God,” a name of Biblical strength.
14. Theo – Short for Theodore, meaning “gift of God.”
15. Alexander – A noble name meaning “defender of men.”
16. Louis – Popular in both Britain and France, meaning “famous warrior.”
17. Daniel – Meaning “God is my judge,” a Biblical classic.
18. Joseph – A spiritual name meaning “God will increase.”
19. Oscar – Of Old English origin, meaning “God’s spear.”
20. Matthew – Meaning “gift of God,” widely used in Britain.
21. Benjamin – Meaning “son of the right hand.”
22. Archie – Short for Archibald, meaning “truly brave.”
23. Leo – Latin origin meaning “lion.”
24. Noah – Meaning “rest” or “comfort,” a timeless name.
25. Isaac – Meaning “laughter,” a Biblical favorite.
26. Patrick – Of Latin origin, meaning “nobleman.”
27. Dominic – Meaning “belonging to the Lord.”
28. Maxwell – A Scottish name meaning “great stream.”
29. Harvey – Meaning “battle worthy.”
30. Albert – Meaning “noble and bright,” tied to Prince Albert.
31. Hugo – Meaning “mind” or “spirit.”
32. Jacob – Another classic meaning “supplanter.”
33. Elijah – Meaning “my God is Yahweh.”
34. Dylan – Of Welsh origin, meaning “son of the sea.”
35. Callum – Scottish name meaning “dove.”
36. Rowan – Nature-inspired, meaning “little red-haired one.”
37. Stanley – Meaning “stone clearing.”
38. Elliot – Meaning “Jehovah is God.”
39. Riley – Meaning “rye clearing.”
40. Harrison – Meaning “son of Harry.”
41. Lucas – Meaning “light-giving.”
42. Mason – Meaning “stone worker.”
43. Reuben – Meaning “behold, a son.”
44. Dominic – Noble name meaning “of the Lord.”
45. Spencer – Meaning “steward.”
46. Tristan – Meaning “sad” or “sorrowful,” linked to Arthurian legend.
47. Jordan – Meaning “flowing down,” inspired by the Jordan River.
48. Evan – Welsh form of John, meaning “God is gracious.”
49. Finley – Scottish origin meaning “fair-haired hero.”
50. Scott – Meaning “from Scotland.”

British Girl Names with Meanings

British girl names are often elegant, graceful, and influenced by queens, writers, and timeless traditions.

1. Charlotte – A royal favorite meaning “free woman.”
2. Amelia – Meaning “work,” symbolizing industriousness.
3. Elizabeth – A regal name meaning “God is my oath.”
4. Grace – Meaning “favor” or “blessing.”
5. Emma – Of German origin, meaning “universal.”
6. Olivia – Meaning “olive tree,” symbolizing peace.
7. Sophia – Meaning “wisdom.”
8. Isabella – Meaning “pledged to God.”
9. Margaret – Meaning “pearl.”
10. Lucy – Meaning “light.”
11. Rose – Inspired by the flower, symbolizing love.
12. Lily – A floral name representing purity.
13. Victoria – Meaning “victory,” tied to Queen Victoria.
14. Eleanor – Meaning “shining light.”
15. Florence – Meaning “to flourish,” tied to Florence Nightingale.
16. Daisy – Meaning “day’s eye,” a cheerful flower name.
17. Poppy – A floral name representing remembrance.
18. Emily – Meaning “industrious.”
19. Alice – Meaning “noble.”
20. Hannah – Meaning “grace.”
21. Beatrice – Meaning “bringer of joy.”
22. Matilda – Meaning “mighty in battle.”
23. Clara – Meaning “bright” or “clear.”
24. Evie – Short for Eve, meaning “life.”
25. Georgia – Feminine form of George, meaning “farmer.”
26. Isabelle – A variation of Isabella, meaning “devoted to God.”
27. Molly – Meaning “star of the sea.”
28. Ruby – Meaning “precious red gemstone.”
29. Phoebe – Meaning “radiant” or “bright.”
30. Francesca – Meaning “free.”
31. Natalie – Meaning “birthday of the Lord.”
32. Scarlett – Meaning “red,” vibrant and stylish.
33. Harper – Meaning “harp player.”
34. Jessica – Shakespearean name meaning “foresight.”
35. Zara – Meaning “blooming flower.”
36. Lucy-Anne – Combination of Lucy and Anne, meaning “light and grace.”
37. Penelope – Meaning “weaver.”
38. Nancy – Meaning “grace” or “favor.”
39. Katherine – Meaning “pure.”
40. Faith – A virtue name symbolizing belief.
41. Hope – Another virtue name, symbolizing optimism.
42. June – Meaning “youthful.”
43. Annabelle – Meaning “loving” or “graceful.”
44. Eliza – Short form of Elizabeth, meaning “pledged to God.”
45. Rebecca – Meaning “to tie” or “bind.”
46. Maisie – Meaning “pearl.”
47. Ivy – Inspired by the evergreen plant, symbolizing faithfulness.
48. Belle – Meaning “beautiful.”
49. Angelina – Meaning “angelic.”
50. Cora – Meaning “maiden.”

Most Common British Surnames or Last Names

British surnames are rich in history, often reflecting occupations, geography, or family lineage.

1. Smith – Occupational surname for blacksmiths.
2. Johnson – Meaning “son of John.”
3. Brown – Refers to a person with brown hair or complexion.
4. Taylor – Occupational surname for a tailor.
5. Wilson – Meaning “son of Will.”
6. Davies – Derived from David, meaning “beloved.”
7. Evans – Welsh surname meaning “son of Evan.”
8. Thomas – Biblical surname meaning “twin.”
9. Roberts – Meaning “son of Robert.”
10. Robinson – Meaning “son of Robin.”
11. Thompson – Meaning “son of Thomas.”
12. Hughes – Derived from Hugh, meaning “mind” or “spirit.”
13. Wright – Occupational surname for a craftsman.
14. Walker – Occupational surname for cloth workers.
15. Green – Referring to someone who lived near a village green.
16. Hall – Referring to someone living in or near a large house or hall.
17. Allen – Derived from Alan, meaning “little rock.”
18. King – Royal surname referring to “king.”
19. Scott – Referring to a person from Scotland.
20. Clark – Meaning “cleric” or “scholar.”
21. Baker – Occupational surname for bakers.
22. Harris – Meaning “son of Harry.”
23. Lewis – Derived from the name Louis, meaning “famous warrior.”
24. Young – Referring to a younger family member.
25. Hill – Referring to someone living near a hill.
26. Turner – Occupational surname for someone who worked with a lathe.
27. Cooper – Occupational surname for barrel makers.
28. Ward – Meaning “guardian” or “watchman.”
29. Mitchell – Derived from Michael, meaning “who is like God?”
30. Moore – Meaning “open land” or “bog.”
31. Parker – Meaning “park keeper.”
32. Price – Welsh surname meaning “son of Rhys.”
33. Bennett – Meaning “blessed.”
34. Cox – Possibly referring to “cock” as a rooster, a nickname.
35. Richardson – Meaning “son of Richard.”
36. Howard – Derived from Old English, meaning “noble watchman.”
37. Foster – Occupational surname for “forester.”
38. Chapman – Meaning “merchant.”
39. Gray – Referring to someone with gray hair.
40. Mason – Occupational surname for a stoneworker.
41. Hunt – Referring to a hunter.
42. Palmer – Referring to a pilgrim.
43. Cook – Occupational surname for a cook.
44. Carter – Occupational surname for cart drivers.
45. Morris – Derived from Maurice, meaning “dark-skinned.”
46. Stevens – Meaning “son of Steven.”
47. Butler – Occupational surname for a wine steward.
48. Fisher – Referring to a fisherman.
49. Holmes – Referring to someone living on an island or near water.
50. Dawson – Meaning “son of David.”

FAQs on British Baby Names

What are some traditional British baby names?

Names like William, Elizabeth, George, and Charlotte are traditional and timeless in Britain.

Which British names are inspired by royalty?

Names such as Henry, Charles, Victoria, and Catherine are deeply connected to the British royal family.

Are British baby names still popular worldwide?

Yes, British names are widely used around the globe due to their elegance and cultural influence.

Do British surnames have meanings?

Yes, most British surnames come from occupations, locations, or family lineage, such as Smith (blacksmith) or Taylor (tailor).

Can I choose a British name with modern appeal?

Absolutely! Names like Oliver, Amelia, Harper, and Scarlett are modern yet rooted in British tradition.

British baby names carry a rich legacy of history, culture, and timeless style. Whether you’re drawn to regal boy names, graceful girl names, or meaningful surnames, these choices offer inspiration for families looking for elegance with a touch of heritage.