Choosing a baby name
Popular baby names in the UK, with thoughts from illustrator Kate Garrett on why certain names not only sound beautiful, but also look balanced and harmonious when written in illustrated name paintings.
If you are choosing a name for a new baby, you may also enjoy exploring my personalised baby name paintings created from original watercolour illustrations.
Popular Boys’ Names in the UK
Oliver
A long-standing favourite. It feels classic and friendly, and parents often like the literary feel of the name. The mix of rounded letters also looks pleasant when written.
George
Traditional and very English. Royal associations keep it popular, and the name has a strong but gentle simplicity.
Noah
Short, calm and modern. Parents often choose it because it feels peaceful and timeless.
Arthur
An old British name enjoying a strong revival. It carries a sense of heritage and storytelling.
Leo
A lovely short name that works well in artwork because of its simple letter shapes.
Harry
Friendly and familiar. It has a long history in Britain and feels warm and approachable.
Theo
Soft sounding and elegant. The rounded shapes make it pleasing to write.
Jack
A classic English name — strong, simple and easy to recognise.
Freddie
Cheerful and playful. Many parents love its traditional charm.
Charlie
One of the most enduring favourites. It feels relaxed and affectionate.
Archie
Bright and friendly, with a cheerful character. Parents often love its traditional feel with a slightly playful edge.
William
A timeless classic. It carries history and strength, yet shortens easily to affectionate forms like Will or Billy.
Why These Names Remain Popular
A return to tradition
Many parents are rediscovering older British names such as Arthur, George, William, and Freddie. They feel familiar and dependable.
Short, simple names
Names like Leo, Theo, Jack, and Noah are easy to say, spell and remember.
Warm and approachable sound
Parents often favour names that feel friendly and natural rather than overly formal.
Popular Girls’ Names in the UK
Olivia
A long-standing favourite. It feels elegant and timeless, with soft flowing sounds that parents often love.
Poppy
A bright, cheerful name inspired by the wild red flower, simple and lively, with a lovely balance when written out.
Isla
Short and delicate. Parents often choose it for its simplicity and calm sound.
Lily
Delicate and floral. It has a sweet simplicity that suits baby names very well.
Ava
One of the shortest popular names, but very strong. Its neat shape makes it very appealing when written.
Sophia
A traditional name that feels refined and graceful. Its classical roots help it remain popular.
Willow
A gentle nature name inspired by the graceful tree, calm and flowing when written across the page.
Ivy
Another gentle nature name. Short, elegant and easy to write.
Rosie
A soft, charming name that feels very English and full of warmth.
Ellie
Short, sweet and easy to say. Many parents choose it because it feels friendly and timeless.
Jemima
A charming storybook name, often bringing to mind Jemima Puddle-Duck, with a gentle rhythm that looks lovely when written out.
Florence
A traditional name returning to favour. It feels graceful and slightly vintage.
Grace
A name with a quiet elegance. It has long been associated with gentleness and simplicity.
Evie
Cheerful and affectionate. It feels playful while still having a traditional foundation.
Emily
A classic that never seems to disappear. It feels warm, familiar and friendly.
Freya
Inspired by Norse mythology, this name has grown very popular in recent years and feels both strong and graceful.
Why These Names Remain Popular
Nature inspiration
Names such as Lily and Ivy reflect a continued love of nature-inspired names.
Classic revival
Older names like Florence and Freya have returned as parents rediscover traditional British names.
Short and simple choices
Names such as Ava, Mia, and Ella are easy to say and spell, which often appeals to modern families.
A Thought to End With
Choosing a name is one of the first small stories written for a child. Long before they can read it themselves, their name begins to appear on cards, nursery walls and family keepsakes. When written and illustrated with care, those letters become more than a word — they become part of the memories surrounding the beginning of a life.
If you are still exploring ideas, you may enjoy looking through the illustrated name designs on my website, where each painting is created individually from original watercolour artwork in my Devon studio. Many families find it helpful to see how different names settle into a picture before making their final choice.
What length of name works best for name paintings?
Names of around four to six letters often sit very comfortably within an illustrated design. Longer names can also work beautifully, but sometimes require a larger painting so the artwork has room to breathe. I have done name paintings with several long names on a picture. It just makes the lettering smaller.
Can you create a personalised name painting for any name?
Yes. Each name painting is designed individually, so the artwork can be arranged to suit almost any name. I have done 3 long names on one painting for siblings and short names in bigger pictures.
Do popular baby names change over time?
Yes, baby names tend to follow gentle trends. Some traditional names return to favour after many years, while others rise in popularity because of literature, history or well-known public figures.
Why are traditional baby names popular again?
Many parents are rediscovering classic names because they feel familiar, timeless and easy to recognise.
Can a name painting be a gift for a new baby?
Yes. Personalised name paintings are often given as gifts to celebrate a birth, christening or first birthday, becoming a keepsake for the child as they grow.
How do parents choose a baby name in the UK?
Many parents look at family names, traditional British names, or popular baby names in the UK for inspiration. Others choose names that feel meaningful, easy to say, and pleasant when written. For illustrated name artwork, parents often enjoy names that have a gentle rhythm and balanced letter shapes.
Where can I find ideas for baby names?
Popular baby name lists, family history, nature names and traditional British names are all wonderful sources of inspiration. Looking through name meanings and seeing how a name looks written out can also help when deciding which name feels right.
Why are traditional baby names popular again?
Many parents are rediscovering classic names because they feel familiar, timeless and easy to recognise.
Looking for a personalised baby gift?
Yes. Personalised name paintingOnce you have chosen the perfect name, you may enjoy exploring my personalised baby name paintings, created from original watercolour illustrations in my Devon studio. Each painting is individually designed so the animals, flowers or small decorative details can sit naturally around the letters of the child’s name, creating a thoughtful keepsake to celebrate a new arrival.
These name pictures are often given as gifts for a new baby, christening or first birthday, becoming a special piece of nursery artwork as the child grows.s are often given as gifts to celebrate a birth, christening or first birthday, becoming a keepsake for the child as they grow.
Can I buy a gift voucher for a name painting?
Yes. If the baby’s name has not yet been chosen, a gift voucher for a personalised name painting can be a lovely alternative. This allows the parents to choose the design and provide the name once the baby has arrived, while still giving a thoughtful and personal gift.
Gift vouchers are a popular choice for baby showers, newborn gifts and christening presents, and ensure the final artwork is created exactly as the family would like.