These Are The Most Popular Names For Boys In England & Wales
Why are baby-name lists so irresistible?
Because each name is a tiny cultural fairy light: hinting at the shows we binge, the migrations that reshape our neighbourhoods, and the old traditions we choose to revive.
Individually the choices seem personal, but together they sketch a fuzzy yet revealing portrait of who we are right now.
This visualization, via Visual; Capitalist’s Pallavi Rao, ranks the thirty most popular names for boys registered in England and Wales last year, spotlighting newcomers and chart-toppers alike.
Data for this visualization comes from Office for National Statistics’ birth-registration records released on 31st July, 2025.
Common spelling variations of names are listed separately.
Ranked: England’s Most Common Name for Boys
Muhammad recorded 5,721 registrations in 2024, making it the most popular boys’ name for the second consecutive year.
| Rank | Name | # of Babies Named in 2024 |
Change in Rank Since 2014 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muhammad | 5,721 | +13 |
| 2 | Noah | 4,139 | +9 |
| 3 | Oliver | 3,492 | -2 |
| 4 | Arthur | 3,368 | +37 |
| 5 | Leo | 3,324 | +11 |
| 6 | George | 3,257 | +1 |
| 7 | Luca | 2,814 | +51 |
| 8 | Theodore | 2,761 | +51 |
| 9 | Oscar | 2,747 | -1 |
| 10 | Archie | 2,575 | +7 |
| 11 | Jude | 2,540 | +54 |
| 12 | Theo | 2,387 | +25 |
| 13 | Freddie | 2,369 | +7 |
| 14 | Henry | 2,360 | +1 |
| 15 | Arlo | 2,220 | +126 |
| 16 | Alfie | 2,020 | -4 |
| 17 | Charlie | 1,956 | -12 |
| 18 | Finley | 1,886 | +18 |
| 19 | Albie | 1,820 | +98 |
| 20 | Harry | 1,765 | -17 |
| 21 | Mohammed | 1,760 | +6 |
| 22 | Jack | 1,711 | -20 |
| 23 | Elijah | 1,661 | +30 |
| 24 | Rory | 1,588 | +63 |
| 25 | Lucas | 1,550 | +5 |
| 26 | Thomas | 1,543 | -20 |
| 27 | William | 1,517 | -17 |
| 28 | Louie | 1,516 | +38 |
| 29 | Teddy | 1,506 | +38 |
| 30 | Jacob | 1,484 | -26 |
That’s a climb of 13 spots compared to 2014 and reflects both the name’s cultural resonance and the UK’s increasing diversity.
Mohammed—an alternative spelling—also made the list at #21, underscoring the name’s combined dominance.
Muslim parents keep picking Muhammad (or Mohammad) for three simple reasons.
First, it honors the Prophet. Second, it slots neatly into double-barrel names—think “Mohammad Ali” or “Mohammad Yusuf.” Third, it travels well.
The name serves as a cultural passport, instantly understood in Lagos, London, or Lahore.
Fact: Second-ranked Noah and Oliver are also popular choices in America.
Vintage Names Make a Comeback in England
Meanwhile, traditional English names are enjoying a renaissance, compared to their popularity a decade ago.
Arthur rose 37 places to reach #4, while Theodore leaped 51 places to land in the top 10.
Parents are clearly rediscovering Edwardian-era charm: Leo, Henry, and Oscar all held on to top-tier positions, proving that classic picks can still feel fresh.
The Biggest Movers in England’s Baby Names in 2024
Three names posted significant jumps versus a decade ago.
Arlo (a name that dates back to the Middle Ages) rocketed 126 places to #15, Albie climbed 98 places to #19, and Rory long-jumped 63 places into the top 25.
On the flip side, former favorites such as Jacob (down 26 spots) and Jack (down 20) continued their gentle slide, showing how fast-moving pop-culture references and changing tastes reshape naming charts each year.
If you enjoyed today’s post, check out 👉 From John to Jayden: How Names Have Changed for American Boys Since the 1880s on Voronoi, the new app from Visual Capitalist.
Tyler Durden
Mon, 09/15/2025 – 02:45ZeroHedge NewsRead More
