Choosing a name is one of the first big decisions you make for your child. This guide brings together well-loved names for girls, boys and every baby, with their meanings and origins, plus practical tips to help you and your partner agree on the one that feels right.
Jump to: How to choose · Girl names · Boy names · Gender-neutral names · By letter · FAQ
How to choose a baby name
- Say it out loud with your surname. Listen to the rhythm of first, middle and last name together, and check the initials.
- Think about nicknames. Most names get shortened at school, so make sure you like the likely nicknames too.
- Check the meaning and origin. Many parents like a name with a meaning that matters to their family, culture or faith.
- Imagine every age. Picture the name on a toddler, a teenager and an adult in a job interview.
- Each make a shortlist. Write five favourites separately, then compare lists and look for names you both like.
- Live with it for a few days. Use the name in conversation before deciding. If it still feels right after a week, it probably is.
Popular girl names and their meanings
| Name | Meaning | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Amelia | Work, effort | Germanic |
| Aurora | Dawn | Latin |
| Charlotte | Free | French |
| Clara | Bright, clear | Latin |
| Grace | Grace, goodness | Latin |
| Hazel | The hazel tree | English |
| Iris | Rainbow | Greek |
| Isla | Island | Scottish |
| Lily | The lily flower | English |
| Luna | Moon | Latin |
| Olivia | Olive tree | Latin |
| Rose | The rose flower | Latin |
| Sophia | Wisdom | Greek |
| Violet | The violet flower, purple | Latin |
| Willow | The willow tree | English |
Popular boy names and their meanings
| Name | Meaning | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Adam | Earth, man | Hebrew |
| Elijah | My God is Yahweh | Hebrew |
| Ezra | Help | Hebrew |
| Felix | Lucky, happy | Latin |
| Henry | Ruler of the home | Germanic |
| Isaac | He will laugh | Hebrew |
| James | Supplanter | Hebrew |
| Jasper | Treasurer | Persian |
| Leo | Lion | Latin |
| Noah | Rest, comfort | Hebrew |
| Oliver | Olive tree | Latin |
| Omar | Long-lived, flourishing | Arabic |
| Samuel | God has heard | Hebrew |
| Theodore | Gift of God | Greek |
| Yusuf | God will increase | Arabic |
Gender-neutral baby names
| Name | Meaning | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Avery | Ruler of the elves | English |
| Ellis | Benevolent | Welsh |
| Jordan | To flow down | Hebrew |
| Quinn | Wise, counsel | Irish |
| Riley | Valiant | Irish |
| River | A flowing river | English |
| Rowan | Little red one | Irish |
| Sage | Wise; the sage herb | Latin |
Name meanings can vary between languages and sources, and many names have more than one accepted origin. We list the most widely cited meaning for each name.
Baby names by first letter
Baby name FAQ
When should we choose a name?
There is no deadline before birth. Many parents choose a shortlist during pregnancy and make the final decision after meeting their baby. Check the time limit for registering a birth where you live, as this varies by country.
Should we tell family the name before the baby is born?
It is entirely up to you. Some parents keep it private to avoid strong opinions, while others enjoy sharing it early.
How do we agree on a name as a couple?
Make separate shortlists, give each partner the right to veto, and focus on the names that appear on both lists. Taking a short break from the discussion often helps.
More baby name lists are on the way, including names by letter, meaning and culture. Browse all baby name articles.