The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics reveal the most popular baby names in England and Wales for 2024, with a clear tilt toward tradition and a few standout shifts. Muhammad has retained its position as the most chosen name for boys, holding the top spot for the second consecutive year, with 5,721 babies given the name. It has remained in the top 10 since 2016, and when combined with its variant spellings—Mohammed (21st with 1,760 births) and Mohammad (53rd with 986)—its popularity appears even more widespread.
Noah and Oliver continued to follow Muhammad in second and third place respectively, mirroring their positions from 2023. Among girls, Olivia and Amelia held strong at the top, claiming the first and second positions for a third year running. Olivia has proven to be particularly enduring, having remained in the top three since 2006, with 2,761 girls receiving the name this year.
One notable change came with Lily climbing into third place, replacing Isla, which has slipped from the top tier. Names like Florence and Ivy have also gained ground, moving to sixth and fifth respectively, as parents lean into more timeless, elegant choices. Sofia made a notable ascent to twelfth place, jumping 12 spots compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, Maya saw the biggest gain within the top 25, rising 14 places.
The data, compiled based on the exact spelling recorded at birth, paints a picture of evolving tastes. Traditional names are trending, while many royal names are losing their past shine. George still held on to sixth place among boys, with 3,257 newborns given the name, but William fell to 27th, and Louis landed at 47th. Among girls, Charlotte settled at 23rd.
A handful of rare choices also appeared at the fringes of the list, with names given to fewer than five babies in 2024 including Cuthbert, Crispin, Awesome, and Beckham for boys, and Orchid, Poem, Sicily, and Everest for girls.
Whether reaching back to Victorian classics or drawing on longstanding cultural names, the 2024 rankings reflect a blend of heritage and individuality in what UK parents are choosing to call their children.
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