Most popular baby names for boys and girls in 2025 revealed

New Delhi, India Jul 9, 2026 ALN: The most popular names for babies born in 2025 in England and Wales have been revealed - with Lily moving up the charts into second place for girls.

Olivia held the top spot for the tenth year in a row for girls' names, and Muhammad topped the list for boys' names for the third consecutive year. These trends reflect broader societal influences, cultural shifts, and the ongoing evolution of naming conventions.

Amelia, which had previously been the second most popular girls' name, has dropped down to third place, indicating a shift in parental preferences as new names gain traction. Meanwhile, Noah sits in second for boys, and Leo has become the third most popular name for boys, showcasing a blend of traditional and modern influences in naming.

The list, released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), is based on birth registration data from the last full calendar year, and it provides valuable insights into naming trends across the country. The ONS compiles this data annually, allowing for the observation of shifts in naming patterns over time.

Other names making up the top ten for girls include Isla in fourth place, followed by Florence, Freya, Poppy, Elsie, Ivy, and the new entry Isabella. The rise of names like Isla and Freya reflects a trend towards names that are both classic and contemporary, while names such as Poppy and Ivy suggest a growing preference for floral and nature-inspired names.

For boys, Luca is the fourth most popular name, with Arthur, Oliver, George, Oscar, Theodore, and Freddie rounding out the list. The presence of traditional names like Arthur and George alongside more modern choices like Luca and Oscar illustrates the continuing blend of historical and contemporary influences in the naming landscape.

The most popular girls' name, Olivia, saw 2,386 baby girls given this name in England and Wales during 2025. Lily and Amelia, the next most frequently chosen names, appeared 2,249 and 2,153 times, respectively. This consistency in the popularity of Olivia suggests that it has become a staple choice for many parents, possibly due to its classic charm and widespread cultural recognition.

On the boys' side, there were 5,957 baby boys named Muhammad, with other spellings of the name also proving popular. Mohammed was in 20th place with 1,712 names, and Mohammad in 55th position with 895. This highlights the cultural significance and widespread use of the name within communities across England and Wales, as well as the diverse ways in which parents choose to spell it.

The other boys' names in the top three, Noah and Leo, were used 4,075 and 3,278 times, respectively. The name Noah has consistently been a favorite among parents, often associated with positive connotations from various cultural and religious backgrounds. Leo, with its strong and vibrant sound, has also become increasingly popular in recent years, reflecting a trend towards shorter, punchier names.

Among the new entries into the top 100 for girls are Eliana, Gracie, Alba, and Lilah. These names reflect a diverse range of cultural influences, with Eliana and Alba having roots in different languages and traditions. For boys, Carter, Ruben, Stanley, and Vincent are new names featuring in the list, indicating a growing interest in names that may have historical or familial significance.

The ONS notes that names like Ellie, Amelie, and Jessica have fallen out of the top 100 girls' names, signaling a potential shift in naming trends as parents seek out fresher alternatives. Similarly, Grayson, Brody, and Bodhi are no longer featured in the 100 most popular names for boys, suggesting a possible decline in their popularity as newer names emerge.

The data shows a significant surge in popularity for the girls' name Ada, which rose 54 places to the 45th spot. This resurgence may be attributed to a growing appreciation for vintage names, as parents increasingly look to the past for inspiration. Roman saw the biggest increase in popularity for boys, hitting the 27th spot after rising 33 places, which may reflect a similar trend towards names with historical significance or strong cultural ties.

The data also breaks down the most popular names by month, revealing fluctuations in the most common names for girls. Olivia topped the list for January, February, March, April, May, June, October, and November, but Isla claimed the top spot in July. This variation suggests that certain names may be influenced by seasonal trends, cultural events, or even popular media releases.

Lily was the highest in August, Amelia in September, and Florence in December, indicating that some names may resonate more with parents during specific times of the year. This could be due to various factors, including the timing of births or cultural celebrations that may inspire certain names.

Muhammad topped the list for boys' names for every single month in 2025, demonstrating its strong and consistent appeal across different demographics. This stability in the popularity of Muhammad suggests that it remains a favored choice for many parents, reflecting both cultural heritage and familial connections.

Overall, the data from the ONS provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of baby names in England and Wales. As societal norms change and cultural influences shift, the names chosen by parents often reflect broader trends in society. The popularity of certain names can be indicative of changing values, preferences, and the ways in which parents wish to express their identities through the names they give their children.

In conclusion, the trends observed in the most popular baby names for 2025 highlight the dynamic nature of naming conventions. As new names rise and others fall in popularity, the choices made by parents continue to shape the cultural narrative surrounding identity and heritage in modern society. The ongoing analysis of these trends will provide further insights into how names evolve and what they signify in the context of contemporary life.