Popular Baby Names in the UK and US – Insights from Recent Trends
What Baby Names Say About Us – UK & US Trends Through a Mum’s Eyes
Choosing a baby name is one of those things that feels huge, isn’t it? It's personal and emotional — but also kind of fascinating when you realise how much names reflect the world around us. A recent piece by The Economist looked into baby name trends in the UK and US, and honestly? It's eye-opening how much our naming choices say about our culture, hopes, and even the times we're living in.
Most Popular Names Right Now
Let’s start with what’s hot right now. In the UK, Olivia, Amelia, and Isla are still topping the charts for girls, with Olivia clinging to that top spot since 2016. For boys, Muhammad has now overtaken Noah, followed by Oliver.
Over in the US, Liam and Olivia reign supreme. (Olivia’s clearly having her moment worldwide!) Other big hitters include Noah, Emma, Oliver, and Charlotte. And despite the world moving away from religion in lots of ways, biblical names like Elijah and Abigail are still really popular — there's something comforting about those classics.
What Names Mean — and Why That Matters
Names aren’t just names, are they? They carry meaning, intention, and hopes. The Economist found that for boys, names with strong meanings — things like courage, protection, and leadership — are really popular. Think Liam (which means “strong-willed warrior”), William (“protector”), and Alexander (“defender of men”). You’ve also got names like Leo (hello, lion energy) and Atlas, which just sound strong and bold, don’t they? The name Muhammad (also spelled Mohammad, Mohamed, etc.) comes from Arabic and means "praised" or "praiseworthy."
For girls, elegance and beauty still take the lead — names like Grace, Isabella, Eleanor, and Arabella. Lots of parents lean towards names that feel soft, lyrical, or even royal. You can almost imagine these little girls growing up with big dreams and even bigger hearts.
When Pop Culture Joins the Party
We can’t ignore the influence of celebrities and pop culture either. In the UK, names like Billie (thanks to Billie Eilish), Lana (Lana Del Rey), and Margot (Margot Robbie) are creeping up. Even the name Wednesday had a bit of a boost after that Netflix series. And yes — the Kardashians are still influencing baby names with picks like Reign and Saint showing up more often.
In the US, similar vibes. Rihanna’s Super Bowl appearance gave her name a boost, and after Elton John’s Glastonbury performance, “Elton” is suddenly sounding pretty cool again!
Different Regions, Different Vibes
Where you live definitely influences name choices. In England, Olivia was top in over half the regions, while Muhammad led in places like London and the Midlands. In Wales, Isla and Noah were the most popular.
In the US, state-by-state variations show off just how culturally rich the country is. Hispanic communities are keeping names like Sofia and Mateo near the top, and Black communities are creating and celebrating unique names that are bursting with personality and pride.
The Rise of Unique Names
There’s definitely a shift toward parents wanting something a little more unique — names that stand out without being too “out there.” In the UK, names like Hazel, Nevaeh (that’s “heaven” backwards), and Bodhi are becoming more popular. In the US, unique spellings and fresh twists are absolutely on the rise.
Immigration has played a big part in this trend too. With more diverse communities, we’re seeing a gorgeous mix of names from all over the world — which can only be a good thing.
Seasonal Name Love
Some parents love tying baby names to seasons. Names like Holly and Joseph always spike around Christmas. Autumn and Summer tend to peak in—you guessed it—autumn and summer! It’s such a sweet way to add a little sentiment to a name.
So… What Do Baby Names Really Say About Us?
When you look at it all together, baby names tell us so much about what we value. Strength in boys’ names. Grace and beauty in girls’. Nostalgia, hope, individuality, and culture all wrapped up in just a few letters.
They also remind us how much pop culture and the world around us seep into our decisions — whether it’s a celebrity we love or a name that just sounds like it belongs to a future legend.
And hey — while you’re choosing the perfect name, don’t forget about the teething stage! If you're navigating that world soon, check out our teething solutions over at Gummee Life. We’ve got mitts, teethers, and plushees that are designed to soothe those sore little gums (and give parents a tiny break too!).