Baby names in the UK for 2017 were mainly originating from television shows, movies, religious, or nature themes. Popular English boys’ names in 2017 were an interesting blend of celebrity-inspired names and more traditional names. Here are the top ten English boys’ names in 2017.
Name (how many babies were given the name in 2017)
OLIVER (5,892)
HARRY (4,843)
GEORGE (4,702)
NOAH (4,013)
JACK (3,991)
JACOB (3,715)
MUHAMMAD (3,653)
LEO (3,583)
OSCAR (3,559)
CHARLIE (3,526)
Some Names of Note
Oliver
The year before Oliver was the most popular baby boy name in the U.K. The name is a more traditional U.K. name. The novel by Charles Dickens Oliver Twist may have made the name continually popular.
Harry
Harry is a popular boys’ name in the U.K. for more than one reason. Prince Harry of the British royal family recently became engaged and married the actress Meghan Markle in a highly publicized ceremony. The name’s popularity may also be because of the former boy band member and pop/rock singer Harry Styles. Harry Styles released his first solo album in 2017. He also appeared in the widely popular and acclaimed film Dunkirk. The name may be continually popular in the U.K. because of the Harry Potter series as well.
Jack
Jack seems to be a popular name based on pop culture and somewhat because of traditional reasons. Jack is another form of the name John. Jack is a popular name from the Pirates of the Caribbean film series and the Titanic film.
George
George seems to have risen in popularity in the U.K. in honour of little Prince George and because of George Lucas. Prince George has captured most of the hearts in the British empire with his adorable appearances with the royal family, so it makes sense that he would inspire the naming of other young baby boys in the kingdom. George Lucas may have inspired the name to rise in popularity too with the return of Star Wars films to cinemas all over the world.
Muhammad
Muhammad became the top ten baby boy name in the United Kingdom in 2017. Muhammad is a religiously inspired name. Muhammad is the prophet who founded the Islam religion. In Arabic the name means: praised one or praiser of God.
Useful Resources
Discover the meaning and popularity of other English boys’names on our website.