You always know when you’ve found ‘the one’ – man, wedding dress and name for your baby.
Unlike the colour of the nursery, or the pram you choose, your baby’s name is definitely something you want to get right, but how do you pick the perfect one?
To help you with your big decision, we’ve taken a look at the top baby names of 2017, plus new data from the Office of National Statistics in the UK, who look at birth certificate data to bring you the top 100 baby names for 2017 and what they all mean.
Popular girls names for 2017
According to new data, Olivia and Amelia are the most popular baby names in England and Wales.
Whether you’re looking for a popular girl’s name, or a more unusual baby name, have a browse through this list.
1. Olivia
An elaboration of Olive, Olivia means ‘olive tree’. Naming your baby after a symbol of peace is never a bad idea and if you get a surprise on the day, Oliver is also officially the most popular boys name in England and Wales.
2. Amelia
Popular in many different languages, in English, Amelia is a variant of Amalia, meaning ‘work’. With industrious connotations, your Amelia could be the top of the class in no time!
3. Emily
Maybe it was Emily Blunt’s appearance in the recent Blockbuster The Girl on the Train, or fans of Emily Brontë that have kept the name in the popular list.
Meaning ‘striving’ and ‘eager’, the name has been popular since the 20th Century and isn’t showing any signs of stopping.
4. Isla
Despite being the fourth most popular girls name in England and Wales, Isla actually has Scottish routes.
In Scotland, the name means ‘island’ or ‘from the river’ – there are two rivers named Isla in Scotland. We love the cute feel to this name.
5. Ava
Reese Witherspoon recently posted selfies with her lookalike daughter Ava and the world went mad (for the selfies and the name). Meaning ‘bird’, it was made popular by the wonderful Ava Gardener.
Reese Witherspoon with her then-newborn, Ava.
6. Isabella
A name that has been increasing in popularity for the past few years, Isabella is a variation of the more traditional Elizabeth, meaning ‘devoted to God’. Don’t let the popularity put you off, you could always shorten to Bella or Izzy.
7. Lily
Another beautiful English flower name, the Lily is a symbol of purity and innocence in Christianity. With a famous celebrity fan base including Johnny Depp, Kate Beckinsale and Harry Potter.
8. Jessica
A Hebrew name meaning ‘rich, God beholds’, this is a name that has risen in popularity over the past few years. Cute nicknames include Jess and Jessie.
9. Ella
Meaning ‘light’, Ella is often a shortened version of Eleanor or Ellen. Rest assured, if you pick this as a name for your little one, you’ll have a Cinderella fan for life. This name is also set to grow in popularity in the latter half of 2017 thanks to George and Amal Clooney!
10. Mia:
If it’s good enough for Kate Winslet, it’s good enough for us. A short version of Maria, meaning ‘wished for child’, this Latin name was made popular by American actress and model, Mia Farrow.
11. Sophia:
Meaning ‘wisdom’, we love this exotic sounding baby girls name, which is steadily rising in popularity at the moment.
12. Charlotte:
Princess Charlotte may only be coming up to her second birthday, but she’s already causing a stir. This already popular name saw a spike in the last couple of years, meaning ‘free-man’, it’s now got the royal stamp of approval too.
Princess Charlotte of Cambridge enjoying quality time with her mum, Duchess Catherine.
13. Poppy:
Meaning ‘from the flower’, Poppy is rising in popularity. Often chosen for little girls born around Remembrance Day, famous Poppy’s include supermodel Cara Delevingne’s sister and Jamie Oliver’s daughter Poppy Honey Oliver.
Jamie and Jules Oliver’s family, including little Poppy, are already in love with their little brother!
14. Sophie:
Meaning ‘wisdom’, Sophie is another version of the Greek name Sophia. Frequently appearing on popular baby-names lists, Sophie is thought to be a lively, yet down-to-earth kind of girl.
15. Grace:
Rising in popularity once again, Grace is a simple English name, meaning ‘God’s favour’. Chosen by celebs such as Mark Wahlberg and made famous by the beautiful Grace Kelly, this name looks set to rise this year.
16. Evie:
It’s been on our popular list for years, a diminutive of ‘Eve’, meaning ‘life’ or ‘living one’.
17. Alice:
A name that has been used in Britian since 12th Century and grew in popularity after Lewis Carol’s heroine ‘Alice in Wonderland’, this classic name is still popular today. Meaning ‘of the nobility’ this is the perfect name for your little princess.
18. Scarlett:
With Scarlett Johansson giving this name all the glamour it deserves, Scarlett is set to be a popular choice this year. Meaning ‘red’, the name is commonly spelt with one or two t’s.
Scarlett Johansson’s mo(at herniker is apparently a popular one!
19. Freya:
Meaning ‘a noble woman’, hopefully your new arrival will live up to her powerful name.
20. Florence:
Whether you’re a huge fan of ‘Florence and the Machine’, or just love the nickname Flossie, this cute name, meaning ‘to flower’ is definitely rising in popularity this year.
21. Isabelle:
In Hebrew this one means ‘devoted to God’.
22. Daisy:
A lovely flowery name, that comes from words ‘day’s eye’, this girls name has risen four places in the popualrity tables since last year.
23. Chloe:
A springtime name meaning ‘young green shoot’, Chloe symbolises new growth. The Kardashians have helped make alternative spelling Khloe popular too.
Can you spot one of the world’s most famous C/Khloes?
24. Phoebe:
Rising eight places in the past year, this cute, traditionally Greek name means ‘bright and pure’.
25. Matilda:
Comes from Old German and means ‘powerful in a battle’.
26. Ruby:
As you know, ruby is a beautiful red gemstone. What you may not know, in Latin it means ‘red’.
27. Evelyn:
The meanings of this adorable name vary from ‘life’, ‘uncertain’ and ‘beautiful little bird’, this cute name is set to stay on the popular list this year.
28. Sienna:
This slightly more unusual name comes from a name of a central Italian city, which in turn, comes from an orange clay the city used to produce. Interesting! It’s also risen 41 places since last year, so your tot might not be the only Sienna in the classroom!
29. Sofia:
Like Sophie, this name means ‘wisdom’, but is somehow slightly firmer-sounding.
30. Eva:
Meaning ‘life’, she might not be the only Eva in the playground, but we’re sure you’ll never fall out of love with this adorable name.
31. Elsie:
Meaning ‘my God is a vow’, this one has risen a staggering 248 places in the leage tables this year!
32.Willow:
An English name, from the tree. Also a cult 1980s film starring Val Kilmer and Warwick Davis.
Pink with her daughter, Willow Sage Hart and beautiful baby boy named Jameson Moon Hart
33. Ivy:
From the plant of the same name, this name has risen an astounding 464 places on the league tables over the last year!
Beyonce and Blue Ivy Carter in their hometown of Houston, Texas on helping the victims of Hurricane Harvey.
34. Millie:
A diminutive from Millicent, it has several meanings from different languages, including ‘strong’, ‘ambitious’, ‘industrious’ and even ‘a thousand sands’.
35. Esme:
You probably didn’t know, but Esme originally was a boy name. Either way, it comes from a French word for ‘loved’, which is almost definitely how you feel about your baby. Up 90 places from last year.
36. Rosie:
A classic and elegant flowery name, Rosie is up 32 places from last year.
37. Imogen:
A name with Gaelic background meaning ‘maiden’.
38. Elizabeth:
Just like Elsie, it means ‘God is my vow’ or ‘promised of God’. This traditional name is up three places from 2015.
- Maya**:
Meaning ‘water’, Maya is still a rather unusual name to appear on this list, but we love it!
40. Layla:
The beautiful name Layla, meaning ‘night’ is raising in popularity again. Alternative spellings include Leila.
41. Harper:
Whether it’s Harper Lee, or Harper Beckham that put this name on the popular list, it’s stuck. Originally a last name given to someone who played the harp, this could be the perfect name if you hope to raise a mini-musician. This name is up a staggering 2093 places from 2006 – woah!
Harper Beckham, with her dad David, celebrates her sixth birthday at Buckingham Palace.
42. Abigail:
A popular name meaning ‘the father’s joy’, she’ll be a daddy’s girl in no time! With a vintage charm, Abigail is a name with biblical routes, and is often shortened to Abi.
43. Emma:
A name we’ve loved since Rachel and Ross in Friends, Emma remains top of the popular list in 2017. An English name meaning ‘whole’ or ‘universal’.
44. Bea:
A short version of Beatrice, this super-cute name means ‘she who brings happiness’. It’s pretty unusual too, so she’ll probably be the only Bea in the class!
45. Ines:
Back on the popular list after Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively named their second daughter Ines, this beautiful name means ‘pure’ and ‘virginal’.
46. Aria:
Arya Stark – the ultimate female hero in Game of Thrones may be one reason why Aria is now back on the popular list, but it’s steadily been rising for years. Meaning ‘air’ and ‘lioness’, you’ll have a little warrior in your midst.
47. Darcey:
Made popular by English ballerina Darcey Bussell and fans of Jane Austen’s Mr Darcy, the name means ‘dark one’, ‘from the Arcy’ or ‘from the fortress’.
48. Luna:
If Chrissy Teigan and John Legend’s snaps of daughter Luna’s first Halloween dress up didn’t put the name on the map, Harry Potter did. Rising in popularity over the past few years, this cute name means ‘moon’.
Little cutie Luna with her mega-famous mum, Chrissy Teigen.
49. Mila
This ancient name has been around for centuries, and put back on the map thanks to the beautiful Mila Kunis. We predict its rise in popularity this year.
50. Nora
Meaning ‘light’ this cute name has a vintage feel.
Popular boy’s names for 2017
1. Noah:
Could it be Ryan Gosling’s appearance in La La Land that has tipped Noah to the top of the charts yet again? Meaning ‘rest’ and ‘comfort’, this is also a popular biblical name, after Noah builds an ark in the Old Testament, saving animals from a flood.
Noah, far right, LOVES wearing dresses – and so does his little brother, Bodhi (left)! So cute.
2. Harry:
We’ve got Princess Diana to thank for putting Harry back on the map, but in recent years, thanks to Harry Potter and Harry Styles, the name has continued to grow in popularity.
Meaning ‘estate ruler’, you can rest assured your little Harry will have a favourite bedtime story and fancy dress costume for years to come!
3. Oliver:
Meaning ‘olive tree’, Oliver is thought to be energetic and good natured. A popular choice for years, this has seen another spike this year.
4. Jack:
A name that has been famous ever since Jack and Jill walked up the hill, for a long time, Jack was a diminutive of the name John. Meaning ‘God is gracious’.
5. Charlie:
Also a popular girls name, Charlie is a shortened version of Charles, meaning ‘free man’. A friendly, tomboyish name, the name has been jumping up in popularity since 2005.
6. James:
A traditional, biblical, royal name, James is making a comeback this year. Meaning ‘one who follows’, famous James include James Corden, James McAvoy and James Bond.
7. Oscar:
Whether you hope you little Oscar becomes a great writer (Oscar Wilde) or a great designer (Oscar de la Renta), we’re sure he’ll live up to his name. Meaning ‘champion warrior’, according to Irish legend, Oscar was one of the mightiest warriors who ever lived.
8. George:
Not only is Prince George a four-year-old fashion icon, he’s made his own name more popular than it ever has been. Meaning ‘farmer’, George is a solid, strong and royal choice.
Prince George’s cutest moment – when he landed in New Zealand with mum Duchess Catherine.
9. Leo:
Maybe it was Leonardo (Leo) Dicaprio finally winning that Oscar last year that put Leo back on the map, but it looks set to stay this year. Meaning ‘lion’, it’s said to represent power and courage. The name also has many biblical connotations.
10. Sulien:
A rising name this year, Sulien means ‘sun born’ and is originally thought to be the name of the most learned man in Wales.
11. Arlo:
Unconventionally chosen by Leighton Meester and Adam Brody for their baby girl, this traditionally male name means ‘fortified hill’, or in other words, strengthened or protected.
With those genetics, we can only image how adorable Leighton Meester and Adam Brody’s little girl, Arlo, must be!
12. Reggie:
A diminutive of Reginald, this nickname is starting to become a popular name its own right. Meaning ‘counsel power’.
13. Albie:
A super-cute name, made popular by Harry Potter, Albie is a shortened version of Albert, Alban or Albus, meaning ‘noble’ and ‘bright’.
14. Finn:
An old English name, originally meaning ‘blonde’ this is the perfect name for your fair-haired baby! In Irish mythology, Finn is a warrior with supernatural powers, remembered for his wisdom and generosity.
15. Elijah:
An old biblical name, meaning ‘Yahweh is God’, Elijah has been put back on the map in recent years by Lord of the Rings actor Elijah Wood.
16. Lucas:
A nice alternative to the ever popular Luke, Lucas is a classic biblical name, meaning ‘light-giving’.
17. Benjamin:
The name chosen by Gisele Bundchen and Tom Brady, Benjamin is a traditional biblical name meaning ‘son of the right hand’. It is also often shortened to Ben.
18.Gabriel:
Another biblical favourite, Gabriel has been popular for the past few years, meaning ‘God is my strength’. It’s rise in popularity could be down to celebrity fans including Mick Jagger, Daniel Day-Lewis and Mia Farrow.
19. Matthew:
A name that has been popular for as long as we’ve been making baby-name lists, Matthew means ‘gift from God’. In recent years, parents have started choosing alternative versions, such as Matthias and Mateo.
20. Liam:
Originally a shortened version of William, for a long time we’ve thought of Liam as a name in its own right. Meaning ‘resolute protection’, famous Liam’s include Liam Neeson and for Oasis fans, Liam Gallagher.
21. Aiden:
We love that Aiden means ‘little and fiery’. Set to rise again this year, hopefully his spirited nature won’t come out until he’s a little older!
22. Ethan:
Meaning ‘strong’, ‘safe’ and ‘firm’, Ethan is often thought to be someone you can rely on. This is a popular choice for all those Tom Cruise fans out there!
23. Jacob:
Thanks to the Twilight films, this traditional name has made a comeback in the past few years. Meaning ‘supplanter’, it’s popular for its connotations of honesty and warmth. Often shortened to Jake.
24. Alexander:
Thanks to Alexander the Great, this is now thought of as a noble and mighty name, meaning ‘defending men’. This name is also set to grow in popularity in the latter half of 2017 thanks to George and Amal Clooney!
25. Wyatt:
Set to rise in popularity this year, Wyatt, meaning ‘brave in war’, has been given a celebrity boost after being unconventionally chosen by Mila Kunis and Ashton Kuther as a name for their baby girl.
26. Bowie:
A cute name that’s perfect for parents who want to name their baby after the late David Bowie.
27. Bear:
It’s one of the most awaited baby names of the year, but whether you love or hate Cheryl and Liam Payne’s baby name, they’ve put it on the map.
28. Arthur:
This cute traditional name, also meaning ‘bear’, has been put back on the popular list thanks to TOWIE star Billie Faires. Perhaps this would have been a safer choice for Liam and Cheryl?
29. Sebastian:
With a number of celebrity fans, Sebastian, meaning ‘person from the ancient city of Sebasta’ is becoming more and more popular. Cute nicknames include Seb and Bas.
30. Hal:
There were a lot of confused faces when Benedict Cumberbatch and Sophie Hunter named their baby boy Hal, but this traditional name actually dates back to Shakespeare. A diminutive of Harold, meaning ‘army ruler’.
31. Montague:
Recently chosen by Geri Halliwell, this unusual name means ‘pointy hill’. We also love the cute nickname Monty.
32. Grey:
It’s been around as a boy’s colour name for a few years now, but as it’s more frequently used as a middle name this year, we predict it growing in popularity.
33. Henry:
Meaning ‘estate ruler’, this traditional boy name has been popular for years, and isn’t going anywhere just yet.
34. Issac:
Meaning ‘laughter’, let’s hope your new arrival lives up to his happy name!
35. David:
Another biblical name that’s been in the popular list for as long as we can remember, in many languages, David means ‘beloved’.
36. Jude:
Whether we’ve got Mr Law, or Thomas Hardy’s portrayal of Jude the Obscure to thank, this cute name, meaning ‘praised’ is set to be popular this year.
37. Beau:
Meaning ‘handsome’, this cute baby name is the perfect fit for your beautiful new arrival!
38. Eissa:
Rising in popularity this year, this unusual name means ‘God is salvation’. Recently chosen by Janet Jackson and husband Wissam Al Mana as the name of their first son.
39. Finley:
A Greek name meaning ‘white warrior’, here’s hoping your new arrival lives up to his powerful name.
40. Gus:
An old-school name that hasn’t been too popular for the last few years means one thing – experts predict it will start to rise again, with parents falling for its authentic charm. Meaning ‘great and magnificent’.
41. William:
Meaning ‘resolute protector’, this popular, traditional name isn’t going anywhere. Nicknames include Will and Billy.
42. River:
A name that has seen a spike in popularity thanks to Megan Gale naming her 3 year old son, River Alan Thomas Hampson.
43. Ethan:
Meaning ‘strong and firm’ this classic name has a vintage feel we predict parents will love this year.
44. Daniel:
Meaning ‘God is my judge’ this Hebrew name has been a favourite all over the world for years.
45. Max:
With a growing number of celebrity fans, this shortened version of Maximillian, meaning ‘greatest’, or Maxwell, meaning ‘great stream’ is set to remain popular.
46. Theo:
Meaning ‘divine gift’, we love this cute and contemporary name. The name has become more common when Ivanka Trump, named her youngest son Theodore James.
47. Toby:
Another one that we see making a big revival this year, this traditional Hebrew name means ‘Lord is good’.
48. Teddy:
Meaning ‘guardian of wealth’, this cute name was put on the map a while ago thanks to footballer Teddy Sheringham. We predict it will be a popular name for 2017.
49. Joshua:
Another one that’s been popular for years, this biblical name means ‘generous’.
50. Fox:
A cute name with a celebrity following, is 2017 the year of the animal baby names? We’ll have to wait and see.
This story originally appeared on Mother&Baby
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