Top 10 Most Popular Girls' 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 modern influences. The most popular girls' names in 2024 showcase this beautiful diversity, from classic elegant names to nature-inspired choices that honor the natural world.

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 Girls' Names in the UK

10. Elsie - Vintage Charm

Elsie ranks tenth among the UK's most popular girls' names in 2024, representing the revival of vintage names. This name is a diminutive form of Elizabeth, meaning "pledged to God," but it has become a popular standalone name in its own right. Elsie's appeal lies in its sweet, old-fashioned charm that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

The name Elsie carries a gentle, feminine quality that appeals to modern parents seeking names with historical depth. It's short, easy to pronounce, and has a warm, familiar sound that works well across different social contexts. The name's association with the early 20th century gives it a timeless quality, while its simplicity makes it feel contemporary.

9. Ava - Simple and Elegant

Ava has maintained its popularity in the UK, ranking ninth in 2024. This name has multiple origins, including Latin (meaning "bird" or "life") and Hebrew (as a variant of Eve, meaning "life" or "living one"). The name gained prominence through Hollywood actress Ava Gardner, and its popularity has continued to grow globally.

Ava's appeal lies in its simplicity and elegance. It's a short, powerful name that's easy to spell and pronounce, making it accessible across different cultures and languages. The name's association with life and vitality gives it positive connotations, while its classic sound ensures it won't feel dated as the child grows up.

8. Poppy - Nature-Inspired Beauty

Poppy represents the growing trend of nature-inspired names in the UK, ranking eighth in 2024. This name is derived from the bright red flower, symbolizing remembrance, beauty, and resilience. Poppy's popularity reflects a broader appreciation for botanical names that connect children to the natural world.

The name Poppy carries a cheerful, vibrant quality that appeals to modern parents. It's playful yet sophisticated, with strong British associations thanks to the poppy's significance as a symbol of remembrance in the UK. The name's connection to nature and its pleasant, melodic sound make it particularly attractive to parents who want a name that's both meaningful and beautiful.

7. Freya - Nordic Strength

Freya has climbed to seventh place in 2024, representing the popularity of Nordic names in the UK. This name comes from Norse mythology, where Freya was the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility. The name means "lady" or "noblewoman" in Old Norse, carrying connotations of strength and femininity.

Freya's appeal lies in its combination of mythological significance and modern sound. It's a name that feels both powerful and feminine, with strong cultural roots that give it depth and meaning. The name's growing popularity reflects broader trends toward names from Norse and Scandinavian traditions, which have gained appeal for their unique sounds and rich cultural associations.

6. Florence - Classic and Sophisticated

Florence remains a steadfast favorite in the UK, ranking sixth in 2024. This name has Latin origins, meaning "flourishing" or "prosperous," and is associated with the beautiful Italian city of Florence. The name gained prominence in the UK through Florence Nightingale, the pioneering nurse, and has maintained its popularity as a classic, sophisticated choice.

Florence's enduring popularity reflects its elegance and versatility. It's a name that works well across all social classes and regions, with the flexibility of nicknames like Flo or Flossie. The name's association with beauty, art, and history (through the city of Florence) adds to its appeal, while its meaning of flourishing gives it positive connotations for a child's future.

5. Ivy - Botanical Elegance

Ivy has climbed to fifth place in 2024, representing the trend toward botanical names. This name is derived from the evergreen climbing plant, symbolizing fidelity, friendship, and eternal life. Ivy's popularity reflects a growing appreciation for nature-inspired names that are both beautiful and meaningful.

Ivy's appeal lies in its simplicity and natural beauty. It's a short, elegant name that's easy to spell and pronounce, while its connection to the natural world gives it depth and meaning. The name's association with the evergreen plant suggests resilience and lasting qualities, making it appealing to parents who want a name that represents strength and endurance.

4. Isla - Scottish Charm

Isla ranks fourth in 2024, maintaining its position as one of the UK's most beloved names. This name has Scottish origins, derived from the name of the Scottish island Islay, and means "island." Isla's popularity reflects the appeal of Scottish names and the growing trend toward shorter, melodic names.

Isla's popularity reflects a love for names with geographical and cultural significance. It's a name that feels both exotic and familiar, with a beautiful, flowing sound that appeals to modern parents. The name's association with Scotland and its simple, elegant pronunciation make it particularly attractive to families who want a name that's both distinctive and accessible.

3. Lily - Floral Grace

Lily has maintained its position as one of the UK's most popular girls' names, ranking third in 2024. This name is derived from the flower, symbolizing purity, beauty, and renewal. Lily's appeal lies in its classic sound, natural beauty, and positive associations with the elegant flower.

Lily'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 the flower gives it natural beauty and positive connotations, while its simple, melodic sound makes it easy to say and remember. Lily's versatility and timeless appeal ensure it remains a favorite choice for British parents.

2. Amelia - Timeless Elegance

Amelia ranks second in the UK in 2024, continuing its consistent popularity. This name has Germanic origins, meaning "work" or "industrious," and is related to the name Amalia. The name gained prominence through historical figures like Amelia Earhart, the pioneering aviator, and has maintained its appeal as a classic, elegant choice.

Amelia's popularity reflects several factors: its beautiful, melodic sound, its association with strength and determination (through figures like Amelia Earhart), and its timeless elegance. The name works well in both formal and casual contexts, with the flexibility of nicknames like Amy, Millie, or Lia. Its combination of classic appeal and modern sound makes it particularly attractive to parents who want a name that feels both traditional and fresh.

1. Olivia - Consistently Beloved

Olivia is the most popular girls' name in the UK in 2024, maintaining its position at the top of the rankings. This name has Latin origins, meaning "olive tree" or "olive," and was popularized by William Shakespeare in his play "Twelfth Night." Olivia's enduring popularity reflects its perfect combination of classic elegance, literary associations, and beautiful sound.

Olivia's position at the top of the rankings represents its universal appeal. It's a name chosen by families from diverse backgrounds who appreciate its elegance, versatility, and positive associations. The name's connection to peace (through the olive branch) and its association with one of Shakespeare's most beloved characters add to its charm. Olivia's ability to work well across different cultures and languages, combined with its timeless beauty, ensures it remains the top choice for British parents year after year.

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

Conclusion

The most popular girls' names in the UK for 2024 reveal a fascinating picture of a society that values both tradition and natural beauty. From Olivia's consistent position at the top, reflecting its timeless appeal, to nature-inspired names like Lily, Ivy, and Poppy gaining popularity, these names tell a story of a nation that honors classic elegance while embracing connections to the natural world.

What's particularly striking is the balance between different types of names. Classic names like Olivia and Amelia sit alongside nature-inspired choices like Lily, Ivy, and Poppy, reflecting a growing appreciation for botanical names. Scottish names like Isla and Nordic names like Freya show the UK's cultural diversity and openness to names from different traditions.

These naming trends reflect broader social changes: a renewed appreciation for nature and the environment, the influence of literature and mythology, and a desire for names that are both beautiful and meaningful. Whether parents choose a name for its floral associations, its literary connections, or its elegant sound, each choice reflects their hopes and values for their child.

As we look at these top 10 names, we see a UK that values elegance, nature, and cultural richness—a place where classic names coexist with modern choices, where tradition meets innovation, and where every name tells a story about the family that chose it and the society they're part of. These names, from the timeless Olivia to the vintage-charm Elsie, represent the beautiful diversity of British naming culture in 2024.