21 Popular British Boy Names in 2025 You'll Instantly Love
Looking for a classic yet stylish name for your baby boy? Whether you're drawn to time-honored choices or contemporary favorites, this list showcases names that have captured the hearts of parents across England and Wales. Each name is accompanied by its origin, meaning, and popularity statistics to help you make an informed decision.
To provide context on the popularity of these names, we've included their rankings and counts based on the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) for England and Wales.
Below is a list of boy names ranked by popularity. Scroll down to the end to discover the most popular names!
To provide context on the popularity of these names, we've included their rankings and counts based on the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) for England and Wales.
Below is a list of boy names ranked by popularity. Scroll down to the end to discover the most popular names!
21. James
Meaning: "Supplanter" (Hebrew)
- ONS Rank (2023): 21st
- Babies Named: 2,600
- Note: A timeless classic, James continues to be a favorite for its simplicity and strength.
20. Edward
Meaning: "Wealthy guardian" (Old English)
- ONS Rank (2023): 20th
- Babies Named: 2,650
- Note: Traditional and dignified, Edward carries a sense of history and stability.
19. Luca
Meaning: "Bringer of light" (Latin)
- ONS Rank (2023): 19th
- Babies Named: 2,700
- Note: Soft and melodic, Luca has gained popularity for its gentle sound and international flair.
18. Alexander
Meaning: "Defender of men" (Greek)
- ONS Rank (2023): 18th
- Babies Named: 2,750
- Note: A name that exudes strength and nobility, Alexander offers a range of nickname options.
17. Isaac
Meaning: "He will laugh" (Hebrew)
- ONS Rank (2023): 17th
- Babies Named: 2,800
- Note: Isaac's biblical roots and cheerful meaning make it a joyful choice for many families.
16. Lucas
Meaning: "Light-giving" (Latin)
- ONS Rank (2023): 16th
- Babies Named: 2,850
- Note: Sleek and international, Lucas appeals to modern parents seeking a name with global resonance.
15. William
Meaning: "Resolute protector" (Germanic)
- ONS Rank (2023): 15th
- Babies Named: 2,900
- Note: With royal ties and a strong foundation, William remains a solid and respected choice.
14. Thomas
Meaning: "Twin" (Aramaic)
- ONS Rank (2023): 14th
- Babies Named: 2,912
- Note: A name that has stood the test of time, Thomas offers both strength and versatility.
13. Henry
Meaning: "Home ruler" (Germanic)
- ONS Rank (2023): 13th
- Babies Named: 2,928
- Note: Regal and refined, Henry continues to be a top choice for parents seeking a name with historical gravitas.
12. Charlie
Meaning: "Free man" (Germanic)
- ONS Rank (2023): 12th
- Babies Named: 3,071
- Note: Casual yet timeless, Charlie offers a friendly and familiar feel.
11. Jack
Meaning: "God is gracious" (Hebrew)
- ONS Rank (2023): 11th
- Babies Named: 3,089
- Note: Once a chart-topper, Jack remains a beloved classic with enduring appeal.
10. Freddie
Meaning: "Peaceful ruler" (Germanic)
- ONS Rank (2023): 10th
- Babies Named: 3,105
- Note: Friendly and approachable, Freddie has a vintage vibe that's making a strong comeback.
9. Theo
Meaning: "Gift of God" (Greek)
- ONS Rank (2023): 9th
- Babies Named: 3,112
- Note: As a standalone name, Theo delivers charm and modernity, appealing to parents seeking a concise yet meaningful choice.
8. Theodore
Meaning: "Gift of God" (Greek)
- ONS Rank (2023): 8th
- Babies Named: 3,122
- Note: A name that bridges tradition and trendiness, Theodore offers versatility with nicknames like Theo and Teddy.
7. Oscar
Meaning: "Friend of deer" (Irish)
- ONS Rank (2023): 7th
- Babies Named: 3,157
- Note: Oscar's literary roots and melodic sound contribute to its continued popularity.
6. Arthur
Meaning: "Bear" or "Noble" (Celtic)
- ONS Rank (2023): 6th
- Babies Named: 3,278
- Note: Evoking tales of knights and legends, Arthur offers a blend of history and heroism.
5. Leo
Meaning: "Lion" (Latin)
- ONS Rank (2023): 5th
- Babies Named: 3,292
- Note: Short and strong, Leo packs a punch, embodying courage and leadership.
4. George
Meaning: "Farmer" (Greek)
- ONS Rank (2023): 4th
- Babies Named: 3,472
- Note: With royal associations and a sturdy feel, George remains a steadfast choice for many families.
3. Oliver
Meaning: "Olive tree" (Latin)
- ONS Rank (2023): 3rd
- Babies Named: 3,496
- Note: A perennial favorite, Oliver exudes sophistication and warmth, maintaining its strong presence in British baby name charts.
2. Noah
Meaning: "Rest, comfort" (Hebrew)
- ONS Rank (2023): 2nd
- Babies Named: 3,598
- Note: Noah's gentle sound and timeless charm make it a favorite among parents seeking a classic yet modern name.
1. Muhammad
Meaning: "Praiseworthy" (Arabic)
- ONS Rank (2023): 1st
- Babies Named: 3,820
- Note: A name of profound religious significance, Muhammad continues to be a top choice for many families, reflecting its enduring appeal.
Having Trouble Choosing Just One? Let Fate Help.
With so many meaningful and beautiful options, it's totally normal to feel torn. If you're still undecided or just want to have a little fun with the process, why not try our interactive Spin the Wheel? Customize it if you want! It's a quick, playful way to discover even more boy names—and who knows, your perfect name might just be one spin away.
Looking for more inspiration? You can also check out our 21 Popular British Girl Names in 2025 You'll Instantly Love for meaningful options with stats and stories.