Most popular baby names for boys and girls in 2025 revealed by the ONS

The most popular baby names for boys and girls born in 2025 in England and Wales have been unveiled by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Released on July 9, 2026, the data shows that Olivia has maintained its position as the top girls' name for the tenth consecutive year, while Muhammad has topped the boys' list for the third year running.

Top Baby Names in 2025

In 2025, the most frequently chosen names for girls and boys were as follows:

• Girls: 1. Olivia (2,386), 2. Lily (2,249), 3. Amelia (2,153)
• Boys: 1. Muhammad (5,957), 2. Noah (4,075), 3. Leo (3,278)

Despite a shift in rankings for some names, Olivia and Muhammad's popularity remains strong. According to Clare Green, a baby-naming expert, “Change happens so slowly at the top, and once a name becomes popular it normally stays there for quite a long time.”

Shifts in Popularity

While Olivia and Muhammad held their top spots, other names have seen significant changes. Amelia has dropped to third place among girls, while Noah and Leo have secured their positions among the top three boys' names. Notably, names like Freya gained popularity in Scotland, surpassing Olivia for girls.

Other names making waves include Isla (4th for girls) and Luca (4th for boys). New entries into the top 100 for girls include Eliana, Gracie, and Alba, while new boys' names include Carter and Stanley.

Trends in Baby Naming

The data also indicates that many of the top girls' names are highly nicknameable, appealing to parents who desire versatility in their child's name. “People will say, ‘I want them to have a CEO name, but be able to give them a more playful name while they’re younger,’” noted Colleen Slagen, a US-based baby name consultant.

As trends evolve, names like Eliana have surged in popularity, rising 54 places. Conversely, names such as Ellie and Jessica have fallen out of the top 100. Green predicts that vintage names will continue to resurface, and parents will increasingly favor names that are similar to popular ones without being identical.