Popular Names for Boys in England and Wales

The following table lists 100+ most popular baby boy names in England and Wales in the past decade (from 2015 to 2024), in order of popularity. Figures and rankings are from ONS dataset: Baby names for boys in England and Wales.

The common threads

• Royal-and-traditional pull: kingly names stick around for decades.
• Pop-culture jolts: TV/film/music can bump a name up fast (e.g., Peaky Blinders and Arthur).
• Nickname vibe: Brits love “ready-made” diminutives (Archie, Alfie, Freddie, Charlie, Theo).
• Demographics matter: Muhammad ranks highly even without combining spellings, and tops the list in 2023 and 2024; it’s #1 in several English regions.

Name-by-name notes

• Oliver — Feels classic yet friendly; strong English-literary roots (Oliver Twist), easy nickname (Oli), and a soft, vowel-rich sound parents find warm and approachable.
• George — Quintessentially British and unmistakably royal (think many King Georges). Solid, no-nonsense feel that signals reliability without sounding stuffy.
• Noah — A simple, globally familiar biblical name with a gentle sound. Travels well across accents and communities, so it feels inclusive and modern.
• Muhammad — Chosen for profound religious significance and positive meaning (“praised”). Recognisable to everyone in the UK and used across spellings, it sits comfortably in everyday English life while carrying deep cultural value.
• Harry — The matey, informal form of Henry. Short, cheerful, unmistakably British; works from playground to boardroom and benefits from royal familiarity.
• Leo — Short, bright, international, with the uplifting “lion” meaning. Fits the UK love for clean two-syllable names and easy pronunciation across Europe.
• Jack — The English everyman: sturdy, straightforward, and friendly. Rich folklore and cultural presence (Jack and the Beanstalk, “Union Jack”) make it feel timeless and down-to-earth.
• Oscar — Stylish but not showy; has Irish and Scandinavian resonance plus literary cachet (Oscar Wilde). Feels classic, cultured, and easy to wear at any age.
• Arthur — Deep British heritage (King Arthur) with vintage charm. Sounds noble but cosy, and offers soft nicknames like Art/Artie that parents find endearing.
• Charlie — An affectionate diminutive used as a full name. Warm, upbeat, and social; equally at home on a child or adult, which makes it feel versatile and friendly.