British Names

British names have a long and varied history, which comes from English, Celtic, Anglo-Saxon, and Norman origins. Many British names, in fact, have been around for hundreds of years and are associated with royal families, literature, and historical figures. As a result, it's not surprising that British baby names often are associated with themes such as nobility, strength, nature, and honor.

British names have spread around the world over the years and are also still very popular in countries other than the UK. Some are traditional classic names, while others are contemporary variations of old names. Many parents are drawn to British baby names because they are elegant, timeless, and meaningful and have a more traditional feel.

Trending British Male Names

Name Meaning Nickname
Kiff Christ-bearer; Love; Kith and kin Kiff
Mat Gift of Yahweh Mat
Nickey People's victory Nick
Onox Of Onyx; Claw, talon, nail Ono
Giles Protection; Kid or young goat Gil
Pierson Son of Peter, son of Piers; Rock, stone Pier
Par Rock Parr
Gyles Small goat Gy
Saphron Wise; Yellow flower Saph
Pearce Rock, stone Pear
Pierce Stone, rock; Peter Pier
Nicoll People of victory; One choice Nico
Sinjin God is gracious, saint, holy man Sin
Isidor Gift of Isis Isi
Nap Lion of the new city; To doze, to slumber Nap
Piers Rock Pier
Deakin Servant; Messenger Deak
Taddie Rich guard; Gift of god Tad
Geordie Land-worker, farmer Geo
Elliot The lord is my god Eliot
Anjel Angel; Messenger, messenger of God Anj
Cole Victory of the people; Charcoal Col
Nicol Victory of the people Nico
Zayne God is gracious Zay
Davy Beloved; Son of David Dav
Dore Gift; Bee; Buzzing insect Dor
Abbey Father of exaltation, joyful father Abb
Ash Happy; Ash tree Ashy
Jacky Son of Jack; Supplanter; May God protect Jack
Lea Delicate; Weary; Meadow, field Lee
Jaice Healer; A healing Jai
Jaidyn Of Jadon; Of Jaden; Of Jade; Thankful, grateful; God will judge Jai
Arliss Pledge; Burning on; High fort, high ring fort Arlie
Fenix Phoenix; Dark red; Dairy farm Feni

British boys' names are largely derived from old English and Anglo-Saxon origins and describe characteristics, such as bravery, leadership, and loyalty. Some of these are the names of kings, knights, and warriors in British history, so they evoke strength and nobility.

The following British names are popular first names: Elliot, Giles, Pierce, and Jacky—all with long British traditions, language, and culture. Some British boy names are drawn from nature or from locations or family names, and others are supplied from religious or historical sources. Selecting a British boy name can be a way to give a child a classic and meaningful name that has endured the test of time.

Trending British Female Names

Name Meaning Nickname
Annie Grace, favor Ann
Raelynn Ewe, beam of light, pool, stream Rae
Elsie Pledged to god Elsa
Asher Blessed, happy, ash tree Ashy
Evie Life, living Evi
Nancy Grace; Favored; Pure Nan
Kallie Most beautiful, fairest; Free man Kal
Jenette God is gracious Jen
Myra Myrrh; Extraordinary My
Raelynne Ewe, female sheep; Stream, pool, lake Rae
Catrice Pure, clean Cat
Jenny White spirit; God is gracious Jen
Shell Of Michelle; Of Shelley; Meadow on the ledge Shell
Dorrit Gift of God Dori
Avalee To live; to breathe; foolishness, nonsense, absurdity; steam, vapor; Father rejoices; Meadow; Ava
Casha Thorny tree; Cassia tree; Cinnamon; Money Cash
Ellory Cheerful, lively, happy; Alder nook Ell
Myree Myrrh Myra
Mary Jane Drop of the sea; Beloved; Bitter; God is gracious Mary
Pamalee Of Pamela; All sweetness; Honey; Meadow Pam
Joanna God is gracious Jona
Kayte Pure Kate
Kate Pure Katie
Dorey Gift of God, gift; The waters; Bee; Golden; Dorian woman Dorie
Laney Brilliant; Shining light; The bright one Lane
Candy Queen mother; Crystallized sugar Can
Madelaine Woman from Magdala Mad
Deonne Of Dionne; Of Deanna; Follower of Dionysus; Divine; Valley; Church leader; Deonne
Lena Torch, bright, ray of light; Tower, dwelling Lenny
Saidie Princess, noblewoman, lady Sai
Nancye Favored; Pure Nan
Kailee Clean or pure Kai
Narice Sea nymph Nari
Cyndy From Mount Kynthos Cyndy
Nelly The bright one; Shining light Nell
Denah Delicate; Valley; Dean Den
Ellie Light; Noble; God is my oath Elle
Marjo Of Marjorie; Of Margaret; Pearl Mar
Pama Honey; All sweetness Pam
Deb Bee Deb
Janaye God is gracious Jan
Dorotha Gift of God Dora
Jesseca Foresight; To see the potential in the future Jes
Karinna Pure, clean; Beloved, dear one Kari
Jamilyn He who supplants Lyman
Marjie Pearl; Wished for; Desirable Marjie
Margerie Pearl Mar
Michell Who is like God? Michael
Gaynell Happy; Shiny; Torch; Moon; Luminous, radiant Gay
Lisbeth God is my oath Lis
Cady Pure; Idyllic place Kate
Jenie God is gracious Jen
Teddie Wealthy spear; Wealthy guard; God's gift Teddy
Avri Of Aviva; Springtime; Of Avril; April; Of Abraham; Father of many; Of Avery; Ruler of the elves Av
Sammie God heard Sam
Rhodes Clearing in the woods; Where roses grow; Greek island; Pomegranate, Snake Rho
Danie God is my judge; Zeus of Nysa Dan
Sandie Man's defender Sandy
Eliott My God is the lord Eli
Edin Pleasure, delight; Plain; Rich friend; Guard of prosperity; Servant of Allah; Religion Ed
Caster Beaver; To excel, to shine Cas
Ardell High valley; High valor Dar
Toby God is good Tob
Charish Shining with joy and happiness; Kindness, grace; To treasure and care for Chari
Gaylor Wave of light; Jailer; A happy, joyous, or bold person Gayle
Jamey He who supplants Jam

British girl names are said to exude elegance and sophistication. Most of these are English names with historical or literary associations or names related to royalty. They are associated with good things such as beauty, kindness, innocence, and strength.

Names like Annie, Elsie, Kate, and Ellie continue to hold their place among the most popular names, demonstrating their timeless appeal. Some British girl names are inspired by the natural world, and a number have historical or religious importance, such as Lily, Rose, and Grace, which reflect the beauty of nature and the significance of faith. These are classic and beautiful names that bring to mind tradition and grace, ideal for your little baby girl.

Name Lists by Origin