Noble, regal, elegant, and refined, British-inspired baby names make strong monikers for a new little one destined to make their mark on the world. If you’re looking for a baby name to carry your child from infancy through adulthood, these British baby names offer plenty of potential. Additionally, many of these names have notable British namesakes associated with them. With a long history, Britain has many well-known people with significant contributions to literature, science, music, film, politics, fashion, and, of course, the monarchy.
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The names below are a mix of Old English and Anglo-Saxon names, British surnames, Anglicized versions of names, traditional English names, modern English names, locations in England, and more. Those with namesakes from famous Brits—from today and throughout history—also honor your child after these worldly contributors, including authors, musicians, and actors.
Read on for 49 British-inspired names with meanings related to strength, good fortune, nature, and more.
British Baby Names We Love
Lovely British Baby Girl Names
1. Anne
This classy Anglicized name means “grace” and has biblical origins.
Notable Namesake: Anne, Princess Royal, is the daughter of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip and sister of the current reigning monarch King Charles. She is known for her work ethic and commitment to public service.
2. Audrey
This name has Old English roots and means “strength,” which is a wonderful honor for a new addition to the world.
Notable Namesake: Audrey Hepburn is an iconic actress known for her elegant style and roles in Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Roman Holiday.
3. Beatrice
Related to French, Latin, and Spanish variations, this Anglicized name translates to “blessed one,” which is a lovely honor for your little lady.
Notable Namesake: Princess Beatrice is the daughter of Prince Andrew, Duke of York, and Sarah, Duchess of York, and also the niece of King Charles.
4. Brea
This lovely and charming Old English name means “hill.”
5. Bristol
This name is after the old port city of Bristol that was founded about the year 1000.
6. Brooke
This timeless name is likely from the Old English word bróc and denotes a small stream.
7. Cecily
Representing Saint Cecilia, this British name means “heaven.”
8. Chelsea
This Old English name means “river landing place,” and Chelsea is also an area in West London.
9. Ellette
This sweet Anglo-Saxon name means ‘magical elf,” perfect for fans of fantasy books and movies.
10. Felicity
The perfect honor for your daughter, this English name is related to the Latin term “felicitas” and means “good fortune.”
11. Hazel
An old English name after the hazel tree, this is a beautiful name that conjures the loveliness of the goldish-brown hue.
12. Holly
This name perfectly suits a little girl born in December and is derived from an Old English term for “a clearing by the hollow.”
13. Ivy
Simple and beautiful, this name evokes natural beauty and has multiple origins, including the Old English word “ifig” for the ivy plant.
14. Jane
This short and sweet name has always been beloved and means “God is gracious.”
Notable Namesake: Jane Austen was an iconic English novelist known for her social commentary. She is the author of Pride and Prejudice, Emma, Sense and Sensibility, among others.
15. Kate
The nickname for “Katherine,” this classic name translates to “pure.”
Notable Namesake: Kate Middleton, now Catherine, Princess of Wales, is married to William, Prince of Wales, who is the heir to the throne. She’s known for her charity work and mental health advocacy, as well as for her style.
16. Kelsey
An ageless name meaning “ships victory,” this moniker is derived from the Old English term Cēolsige.
17. Kendra
This elegant English name has the strong meaning of “knowing.”
18. Lucy
This sweet name means “light” and is derived from the Latin name Lucius.
19. Matilda
An Anglicized version of a German name, this moniker has the tough meaning of “mighty in battle.”
20. Poppy
This modern-sounding name means “red flower.”
21. Sibley
This Anglo-Saxon name holds the sweet meaning of “friendly.”
Sophisticated British Baby Boy Names
22. Ackley
This classy name has the lovely meaning of “oak meadow.”
23. Alastair
This name truly stands out and is an Anglicized name ultimately related to Alexander, meaning “man’s defender, warrior.”
24. Alton
This handsome Old English name means “the old town,” which could be a meaningful perfect tribute to two parents who grew up in the same city.
25. Baker
An occupational English surname (with its obvious associated meaning) is perfect for culinary enthusiast parents.
26. Beckham
This English surname, referring to a location in Norfolk, also makes an excellent first name.
Notable Namesake: David Beckham is one of the most recognizable and well-known footballers in the world, beginning his career with Manchester United. He is married to Posh Spice, fashion designer Victoria Beckham.
27. Bennett
This sweet name is derived from Benedict and has the noteworthy meaning of “blessed” for your new addition.
28. Brighton
Inspired by the seaside town, Brighton is known for its vibrant cultural scene.
29. Charles
This recognizable and dignified name is from an Old English word meaning “free man” and can be shortened to Charlie.
Notable Namesake: King Charles III is the current reigning monarch of the United Kingdom and was the heir apparent from 1952 to 2022. Other notable Charles include Charles Dickens, the author of A Christmas Carol, Oliver Twist, and A Tale of Two Cities, and Charles Darwin, an evolutionary biologist known for his theory of natural selection.
30. Colin
A short and sweet name, Colin is the Anglicized version of the Gaelic name meaning “cub,” which couldn’t be more perfect for your new babe.
Notable Namesake: Colin Firth is a prolific actor and producer known for his portrayal of Mr. Darcy and his roles in The English Patient, Shakespeare in Love, Bridget Jones’ Diary, and others.
31. Colton
This Old English name means “coal town” but is a handsome modern name.
32. Conan
This Anglicized name is after a mythological Irish warrior and also means “high.”
Notable Namesake: Arthur Conan Doyle was the creator of Sherlock Holmes, about whom he wrote more than 60 stories.
33. Edward
The name Edward has a long history in England. Meaning “wealth, fortune, and riches,” it has a very regal vibe.
Notable Namesake: Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, is the youngest brother of the current monarch, King Charles.
34. Elton
This stylish moniker means “from the old town” and also refers to a location in England.
Notable Namesake: Sir Elton John is one of the best-known artists of all time, selling over 300 million records, and winning six Grammys, a Tony, and two Oscars, among many other awards as well as founding the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
35. Grant
This stately name means “tall” and will elegantly grow with your child throughout their lifetime.
36. Harry
This long-standing medieval name of various origins is a diminutive of Henry or Harold and means “home ruler”—which is what a newborn is sure to do in your house!
Notable Namesake: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, is the younger son of King Charles III and the late Princess Diana. He is the founder of Invictus Games and now resides in California with his wife, Meghan Markle.
37. Hugh
This strong, monosyllabic English name has a variety of meanings, including “soul,” “mind,” and “intellect,” which are all lovely words to represent your child.
Notable Namesake: Hugh Grant is an English actor known for his work in romantic comedies Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill, Bridget Jones’ Diary, and Love Actually, as well as the new Wonka movie, among other films.
38. Perry
Perfect for parents with wanderlust, this name means “traveler.”
39. Shaw
This simple Old English name means “forest,” which is fitting for outdoorsy families.
40. Trent
A surname for those living by the River Trent, this name also means “the flooder, traveler.”
41. Wesley
This name is effortlessly cool and means “Western meadow.”
42. Winston
This sturdy and enduring Old English name means “joyful stone” and will grow with your child as they age.
Notable Namesake: Winston Churchill was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during World War II and a soldier in the British Army.
Classic British Gender-Neutral Baby Names
43. Avery
This name has Anglo-Saxon origins and has the imaginative meaning of “ruler of the elves.”
44. Elliott
One of many uses of this trusty and timeless name is as a surname, possibly originating in medieval times and meaning “Jehovah is my god.”
45. Leigh or Lee
The Old English variation of this classic and lovely name means “meadow.”
46. Parker
This surname means “keeper of the park”—perhaps perfect for a baby born to a nature-loving family.
47. Moore
Referring to the area of Moor, this simple, monosyllabic name is beautiful and unique.
48. Sutton
Meaning “from the southern homestead,” Sutton is a common English surname that could make for a meaningful first name.
49. Taylor
This common English surname is derived from the occupation of a tailor and makes a chic first name.
