Top 10 Most Popular Boys' Names in the UK (2024)

The names we choose for our children reflect our values, heritage, and hopes for their future. In the United Kingdom, baby name trends reveal fascinating insights into the country's evolving cultural landscape, blending traditional British names with international influences. The most popular boys' names in 2024 showcase this beautiful diversity, from classic English names to names that honor different cultural traditions.

Understanding naming trends helps us appreciate how society is changing. Whether parents choose a name for its historical significance, cultural meaning, or simply because they love how it sounds, each name tells a story about the family and the times we live in.

Methodology

This ranking is based on official birth registration data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) for England and Wales in 2024. The data includes all registered births and ranks names by the total number of babies given each name during the year.

Data Sources:

• Office for National Statistics (ONS) birth registration data for England and Wales
• Data year: 2024
• Ranking method: Total number of registered births with each name

Note: Scotland and Northern Ireland maintain separate birth registration systems, so their rankings may differ. This list represents the most comprehensive data available for the UK, covering England and Wales, which account for the majority of UK births.

List of Most Popular Boys' Names in the UK

10. Archie - Friendly and Approachable

Archie ranks tenth among the UK's most popular boys' names in 2024, with 2,575 babies given this name. This name is a diminutive form of Archibald, meaning "genuine" or "bold," but it has become a popular standalone name in its own right. Archie's appeal has been boosted by its association with the British royal family, as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle named their son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor in 2019.

The name Archie carries a friendly, approachable quality that appeals to modern parents. It's short, easy to pronounce, and has a warm, familiar sound that works well across different social contexts. The name's combination of traditional roots and contemporary appeal makes it particularly attractive to parents who want a name that feels both classic and fresh.

9. Oscar - Literary and Noble

Oscar has maintained its popularity in the UK, ranking ninth in 2024 with 2,747 babies given this name. This name has multiple origins, including Irish Gaelic (meaning "deer lover" or "champion warrior") and Old English (meaning "divine spear"). The name gained prominence through literary figures like Oscar Wilde, the famous Irish playwright and poet.

Oscar's appeal lies in its combination of strength and sophistication. It's a name that works well across different cultures and languages, making it particularly popular in the UK's diverse society. The name's association with creativity and intellect, thanks to Oscar Wilde, adds to its charm for parents seeking a name with cultural depth.

8. Theodore - Vintage Revival

Theodore has experienced a remarkable revival, ranking eighth in 2024 with 2,761 babies given this name. This classic name, meaning "gift of God" in Greek, was popular in the early 20th century but fell out of favor for decades. Its recent resurgence is part of a broader trend toward vintage names that feel both timeless and fresh.

Theodore offers parents the flexibility of multiple nickname options—Ted, Teddy, Theo, or even the full name. This versatility, combined with its strong meaning and historical significance, makes it appealing to parents who want a name that's both traditional and modern. The name's association with figures like Theodore Roosevelt adds to its appeal.

7. Luca - International and Modern

Luca represents the growing trend of international names in the UK, ranking seventh in 2024 with 2,814 babies given this name. This name has Italian origins and is the Italian form of Luke, meaning "light" or "bringer of light." Luca's popularity reflects the UK's increasing cultural diversity and the appeal of European names.

The name's simplicity and elegance make it attractive to modern parents. It's easy to pronounce in multiple languages, which is valuable in today's globalized world. Luca's rise in popularity also reflects broader trends toward shorter, more melodic names that work well across different cultural contexts.

6. George - Royal and Traditional

George remains a steadfast favorite in the UK, ranking sixth in 2024 with 3,257 babies given this name. This name has deep royal connections, with several British kings bearing the name, most recently King George VI. The name's meaning, "farmer" or "earthworker" in Greek, belies its regal associations.

George's enduring popularity reflects its versatility and strong British identity. It's a name that works across all social classes and regions, from the royal family to everyday families. The name's association with Saint George, the patron saint of England, adds to its cultural significance in British society.

5. Leo - Bold and Simple

Leo has climbed to fifth place in 2024 with 3,324 babies given this name, representing the trend toward short, powerful names. Derived from Latin, Leo means "lion," symbolizing strength, courage, and leadership. The name has been popular across many cultures and languages, making it a truly international choice.

Leo's appeal lies in its simplicity and strength. It's easy to spell, pronounce, and remember, while its association with the king of the jungle gives it a powerful, confident feel. The name works well in both formal and casual contexts, making it versatile for a child who will grow up in various social situations.

4. Arthur - Legendary and British

Arthur ranks fourth in 2024 with 3,368 babies given this name, maintaining its position as one of the UK's most beloved names. This name is deeply rooted in British mythology and history, associated with King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. The name's meaning, "bear" or "noble," reflects its strong, regal character.

Arthur's popularity reflects a love for names with rich historical and literary associations. It's a name that feels both classic and contemporary, with the flexibility of nicknames like Art or Artie. The name's strong British identity makes it particularly appealing to families who want to honor their heritage while choosing a name that feels modern and fresh.

3. Oliver - Consistently Popular

Oliver has maintained its position as one of the UK's most popular boys' names, ranking third in 2024 with 3,492 babies given this name. This name, meaning "olive tree" in Latin, has been consistently popular for over a decade. Its appeal lies in its classic sound, literary associations (Oliver Twist), and the flexibility of nicknames like Ollie.

Oliver's enduring popularity reflects its perfect balance of tradition and modernity. It's a name that feels both sophisticated and approachable, working well across different social contexts. The name's association with peace (the olive branch) and its pleasant, melodic sound contribute to its widespread appeal.

2. Noah - Biblical and Modern

Noah ranks second in the UK in 2024 with 4,139 babies given this name, continuing its global popularity. This biblical name, meaning "rest" or "comfort" in Hebrew, has become one of the most popular names worldwide. Its appeal transcends religious boundaries, chosen by families from diverse backgrounds.

Noah's popularity reflects several factors: its simple, pleasant sound, its positive biblical associations (Noah's Ark and the flood story), and its international recognition. The name works well in English and many other languages, making it appealing in the UK's multicultural society. Its two-syllable structure and easy pronunciation contribute to its widespread appeal.

1. Muhammad - Diverse and Meaningful

Muhammad is the most popular boys' name in the UK in 2024 with 5,721 babies given this name, reflecting the country's diverse cultural landscape. This Arabic name, meaning "praised" or "praiseworthy," is of great significance in Islamic tradition, as it was the name of the Prophet Muhammad. The name's popularity reflects the UK's growing Muslim population and the broader trend of cultural diversity in British society.

Muhammad's position at the top of the rankings represents an important cultural shift in the UK. It's a name chosen by families who want to honor their religious and cultural heritage while raising children who are fully British. The name's meaning, which emphasizes positive qualities like being praiseworthy, resonates with parents from various backgrounds who appreciate its significance and positive connotations.

Summary of the Top 10 Most Popular Boys' Names in the UK (2024)

Conclusion

The most popular boys' names in the UK for 2024 reveal a fascinating picture of a society that values both tradition and diversity. From Muhammad's position at the top, reflecting the UK's multicultural identity, to classic British names like George and Arthur maintaining their appeal, these names tell a story of a nation that honors its heritage while embracing change.

What's particularly striking is the balance between different types of names. Biblical names like Noah sit alongside names with British royal and mythological associations like George, Arthur, and Archie. International names like Luca and Muhammad reflect the UK's global connections, while vintage revivals like Theodore show how parents are rediscovering beautiful names from the past.

These naming trends reflect broader social changes: increasing cultural diversity, the influence of global media and culture, and a renewed appreciation for names with historical depth and meaning. Whether parents choose a name for its cultural significance, its sound, or its associations, each choice reflects their hopes and values for their child.

As we look at these top 10 names, we see a UK that is both proudly British and wonderfully diverse—a place where traditional names coexist with international ones, where history meets modernity, and where every name tells a story about the family that chose it and the society they're part of.