Top 210 English and British Girl Names and Their Meanings
British and English girl names offer a treasure trove of diverse and captivating options if you’re seeking a timeless name for your daughter. From traditional and classic choices that have withstood the test of time to more popular, common, and unique girl names that reflect modern sensibilities, these British names encompass a rich tapestry of history, culture, and linguistic heritage for your beautiful baby girl.
Popular British Girl Names
These popular British girl names may be no stranger to you, with many of them also appearing in the list of top baby girl names in the United States. So, if you like to stay on top of the latest trends, check out our list of the top British girl names from recent years.
Sophia. Hitting the top spot in the UK last year is this pretty and sophisticated English girls’ name, meaning “wisdom” in Greek. It’s also one of the top 10 baby names in the United States. If you like this option, you may also be interested in these Greek girl names.
Lily. Lily is a popular British girls’ name that symbolizes purity, innocence, and beauty. It’s derived from the Latin word “lilium” and has been used since the Victorian era. Actress Lily James and singer Lily Allen are among the famous namesakes.
Olivia. A classic name that has been popular for centuries, Olivia means “olive tree” in Latin and symbolizes peace and fruitfulness. Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night featured a character named Olivia, which may have contributed to its enduring popularity.
Isla. This Scottish and English name for girls meaning “island” has gained popularity in recent years and is known for its simplicity and uniqueness. It’s pronounced EYE-la, and Actress Isla Fisher is a well-known namesake.
Ava. Ava is a short and sweet British girls’ name that means “life” (from the name Eve). It was originally used as a nickname for girls with names like Aviana or Aveline but has become increasingly popular on its own. The actress Ava Gardner is one of the most famous namesakes.
Amelia. Meaning “work,” “industriousness,” or “striving,” Amelia has been popular in Britain for centuries and was the name of King George II's daughter. A famous Amelia includes aviator Amelia Earhart.
Freya. If you’re looking for a popular and beautiful girls’ name, Freya is just that! It’s the name of the Norse goddess associated with love, fertility, war, wealth, divination, magic, and wisdom. Freya means “lady” in Old Norse and has been a popular choice in Britain since the 1990s.
Aria. Aria is an Italian girls’ name [Italian girl names meaning “air” or “song.” It has become increasingly trendy due to its association with the character on the TV shows Game of Thrones and Pretty Little Liars.
Maya. This is a popular British girls’ name with Indian origins, meaning “illusion,” as well as Hebrew origins, meaning “water.” It has been rising in popularity in Britain and is often linked to the writer Maya Angelou.
Ivy. Do you like the beautiful climbing plant with the same name? If so, this fun and popular British girls’ name might be a sweet choice. Ivy is a plant that symbolizes fidelity, friendship, and affection.
More Popular British Girl Names
Those popular British girl names are universally loved, and it’s not hard to see why. Here are 10 more for you to consider:
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Unique British Girl Names
You may recognize many of the common British girl names featured in this article; however, we’ve found some that are unique and will certainly stand out from the crowd. So, if you love unique baby names, keep reading.
21. Annabeth. A unique British girls’ name that means “grace,” this moniker is a combination of Anna and Beth, which means “graceful” in Latin.
22. Arden. Here you have a name that means “forested area” in Gaelic, similar to Ardennes, which means “high ground.” It's a unique British name that’s occasionally used for females in Wales and England.
23. Aureole. This is an unusual name for a girl that means “radiant halo” or “golden.” It could be a cute nickname for something like Aurora or Aurelia.
24. Blondie. If you’re looking for a unique and fun name, this English girls’ name might be the one for you! Meaning “bright one,” it’s perfect for your daughter if she's got blond hair.
25. Demelza. If you prefer a particularly rare girls’ name, this one might be right up your alley! It comes from a Cornish place name meaning “fort of Maeldaf,” so if you’re a fan of Cornwall or simply love unique British girl names, why not choose Demelza?
26. Fern. From the English word for the plant, spelled fearn in Old English, this short and sweet name is a nice choice if you love nature.
27. Joy. Want a name that reflects the happiness that your little one brings to your life? Joy is the perfect name to celebrate your new arrival.
28. Lennon. Meaning “lover,” this unique and unisex name originally comes from an Irish surname but is now a modern English moniker. If you’re a fan of the Beatles, you could use this name to honor the musician John Lennon.
29. Maple. If you like names drawn from nature, consider this sweet and unique British girls’ name, which comes from the English word for the maple tree.
30. Pansy. Looking for girl names that start with P? In English, this pretty option is the name of a flower. This flower gets its name from the French word pensée, meaning “thought.”
More Unique British Girl Names
If you loved those unique British girl names, here are more to win your heart:
Choosing a baby name can be fun yet also overwhelming. Watch this video for some exciting facts that could help you find the perfect baby name!
Beautiful and Rare British and English Girl Names
With beautiful meanings or sounds, these pretty names are great options for baby girls. And, just like the unique British names above, many of them are also quite rare and beautiful.
41. Anabella. This variant of Annabel, which in turn is a variant of the English girls’ name Amabel, may have come from Scotland. It has the irresistible meaning of “lovable,” and you also have the options of Ana and Bella as pretty nicknames.
42. Arabella. This medieval Scottish girl name may be descended from the name Arabelle or Annabel, meaning “worshipper of God” or “lovable.” It was once a very popular name in Britain and Europe but has since fallen out of favor—but we think it deserves another chance!
43. Autumn. Is your little one due to be born in the fall? If so, this beautiful British girls’ name might be a great choice. But no matter when they’re born, this name is still a pretty option.
44. Bronte. Literature lovers might enjoy this beautiful and rare English girls’ name. You may think of the Bronte sisters (Charlotte, Emily, and Anne), whose novels are still widely read today. This name comes from an Irish surname meaning “generous.”
45. Ceinwen. Ceinwen, pronounced like KAYN-when, means “white wave” or “lovely” in Welsh. What a dreamy name for a baby girl!
46. Devon. Are you a fan of England? If so, you might know of the English county of Devon and decide to go with this name. It’s a nice way to honor one of your favorite places.
47. Eden. If you are drawn to Hebrew girl names, you could select Eden, the famous garden in the Old Testament in which Adam and Eve were said to have first lived. It means “pleasure” and “delight” and has been a popular choice in Britain for many years now.
48. Hayley. From the name of an English town, meaning “hay clearing” in Old English, this beautiful British girls’ name has many spelling variations you might also enjoy, such as Hailee, Hailey, Haylee, and Haley—but Hayley is the most common spelling in Britain. Actor Hayley Mills, known for her roles in the movies Pollyanna and The Parent Trap, is a famous bearer of this name.
49. June. June is an English girls’ name that means “youthful,” referring to the month of June. It may also be a reference to Juno, the Roman goddess of marriage and fertility. It’s perfect for a little June baby.
50. Petunia. This rare and beautiful English name originated in England. If you like flower names for girls but want something unique, Petunia is a great alternative! It’s also the name of a character in the Harry Potter series.
More Beautiful and Rare British and English Girl Names
There are so many rare and beautiful British and English girl names out there that we couldn’t resist adding more to the list:
Traditional and Classic British Girl Names
If you love vintage British vibes and traditional girl names, you’re in for a treat with these classic monikers. So, here’s some timeless inspiration for you:
61. Abigail. Meaning “my father is joy,” Abigail is a fitting choice for a little daddy’s girl. It’s a biblical girls’ name that belonged to one of King David’s wives. For girls, this common English name became especially popular after the Protestant Reformation.
62. Audrey. This medieval English girls’ name means “noble strength.” And to add to its traditional British vibes, this beautiful name for girls belonged to a seventh-century princess and saint, a character from Shakespeare’s play As You Like It, and the classic British actress Audrey Hepburn.
63. Bertha. It may appear to be a classic British name; however, Bertha is originally a German girls’ name, meaning “bright.” It was brought to England by the Normans and was popular again in the nineteenth century. Perhaps it’s time for a comeback!
64. Chelsea. Chelsea is a modern-sounding name that originated from the borough in London. It gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s and has a trendy and urban vibe—perfect if you want a traditional British girl’s name with a modern twist.
65. Felicity. If you want a classic British girls’ name that exudes elegance and charm, Felicity is just that! Derived from the Latin word felicitas, meaning “happiness” or “good fortune,” Felicity carries a sense of joy and positivity. It also offers a fun nickname, Flick.
66. Hazel. Hazel is a delightful British girls’ name that brings to mind images of nature and beauty. With origins rooted in Old English, Hazel refers to the hazel tree or the color of hazelnuts, giving it a warm and earthy feel.
67. Jessica. Jessica is a common and traditional British name for girls that’s found in Shakespeare’s play The Merchant of Venice, giving it a great literary vibe. Jessica gained immense popularity in the late 20th century and has a lively and friendly connotation. The diminutive Jessie adds a playful touch but can also be used as a name in its own right.
68. Lynn. The female name Lynn is a traditional British moniker that originated from the Welsh word for “lake.” It has a gentle and melodic sound and can also be used as a short form of Linda or names ending in lyn or line.
69. Poppy. Charming and vibrant, this British girls’ name is derived from the flowering plant. It holds symbolic significance in British culture, representing remembrance and sacrifice. Poppy gained popularity as a British girls’ name in the early 20th century and offers an appealing mix of traditional and modern.
70. Scarlett. Originally from an English surname, Scarlett has a rich and dramatic association with the color and has been used as a first name since the nineteenth century. It’s a strong girls’ name that starts with the letter S.
More Traditional and Classic British Girl Names
Can't get enough of meaningful British girls’ names and their rich history? We’ve got even more for you:
Cute British Girl Names
British girl names are filled with charm and playfulness. These cute and pretty English girl names are sure to win you over:
81. Alice. Here’s a timeless and beloved British girls’ name that’s been in use for centuries. A name with roots in Old French and Germanic languages, Alice means “noble.” Known for its simplicity and grace, Alice carries a sense of elegance and sophistication while also evoking a touch of whimsy due to its association with Lewis Carroll's iconic character in Alice in Wonderland.
82. April. This cute British name for baby girls brings to mind the arrival of spring and new beginnings. Meaning “to open,” April signifies a time of blossoming and renewal.
83. Blossom. Speaking of blossoming, Blossom is an evocative British female name that embodies the beauty of flowers blooming. With origins in Old English, it captures the essence of nature's colorful transformation. It’s a cute and popular name in Britain but has yet to gain traction in the United States—maybe it’s time for this name to blossom!
84. Bonnie. Derived from the Scottish word for “pretty” or “beautiful,” Bonnie has a playful and endearing quality. It carries a lighthearted charm and has been a popular and cute British girls’ name for centuries, evoking images of a spirited and lively personality.
85. Cailin. If you like Irish girls’ names, you could choose Cailin, which means “girl” in Irish. It’s also a variation of the name Kaylyn.
86. Dawn. Dawn is a cute and serene British name for girls that brings to mind the beauty of the early morning. Signifying the break of day, Dawn symbolizes a fresh start and new opportunities. The world is your little one’s oyster with this sweet name!
87. Dee. This short and sweet British female name can be a nickname for various names beginning with D or a standalone name. Dee is also a river in Scotland.
88. Fay. With a whimsical and enchanting quality, Fay has to be one of the cutest British girl names. Derived from the Old English word faie, meaning “fairy,” Fay brings to mind magical creatures and ethereal beauty. It’s a good choice if you’re looking for one-syllable girl names.
89. Ginger. Ginger is a cute and vibrant British name for girls that has a touch of spice. This unique name is often associated with red hair but can certainly be used to evoke individuality, liveliness, and a hint of fiery spirit in your little lady.
90. Rose. This timeless and pretty British name for women has long been associated with beauty and romance. Derived from the flower of the same name, Rose symbolizes love, grace, and elegance.
More Cute British Girl Names
Want more cute and pretty British girl names? Keep reading!
Famous English Girl Names
Are you inspired by some of the great British women throughout history? From queens to mathematicians, we’ve created a list of English names borne by some strong, inspiring, and talented British females.
101. Ada. If you’re hoping for a future mathematician or computer whiz, consider this name, which belonged to Ada Lovelace (Countess of Lovelace), daughter of Lord Byron, who assisted Charles Babbage with his invention of the early mechanical computer. This famous English girls’ name means “noble.”
102. Agatha. Simply meaning “good,” this English girls’ name is most famously borne by British mystery author Agatha Christie. She has become one of the best-selling novelists of all time—maybe you’ll have a budding author on your hands with this mysterious name.
103. Boudicca. This unique British girls’ name belonged to a first-century queen who led an uprising against the Romans. Her name means “victory,” and she is considered a symbol of independence and the fight for freedom.
104. Beatrix. Meaning “voyager” or “traveler,” Beatrix is a sweet British girls’ name. A famous namesake is Beatrix Potter, the author and illustrator of The Tale of Peter Rabbit and other children's classics. You’ll have plenty of bedtime material to read your own little Beatrix.
105. Elizabeth. If you’re searching for royal baby names, it doesn’t get much more regal than Elizabeth. One of the most famous female rulers of England was Queen Elizabeth I (the daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn), and of course, the name was also borne by the former and longest-reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II.
106. Florence. One of the most famous bearers of this beautiful girls’ name is Florence Nightingale, a British nurse and founder of modern nursing. This name means “prosperous” and “flourishing.”
107. Jane. Jane is a sweet and simple name with a British vibe. And what’s more British than the author, Jane Austen?! She has become one of the most famous English authors of all time—so why not use this pretty girls’ name to honor her and her work?
108. Julie. The name Julie hasn’t seen much action in recent years, but it retains a lovely British charm. If you’re a fan of classic musicals, such as Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music, and My Fair Lady, you might associate this girls’ name with the famous English actress and singer Julie Andrews.
109. Millicent. If you want a name that invokes strength and independence in your little girl, select Millicent. It means “brave” and “strong” and was borne by English activist, politician, and writer Millicent Garrett Fawcett, who campaigned for women’s right to vote.
110. Victoria. Another famous and regal British name for females is Victoria, which belonged to the long-reigning and powerful British monarch Queen Victoria. This strong girls’ name starting with V is fit for a little queen!
More Famous English Girl Names
Whether you’re inspired by musicians, activists, or monarchs, you'll find what you're looking for in this additional list of famous English girl names:
Old English Girl Names
Old English girl names carry a rich heritage and evoke a sense of history and tradition. Originating from the language spoken in early medieval England, these names for females reflect the cultural and linguistic roots of the region. Exploring these names opens a doorway to a bygone era and allows for the rediscovery of gems that continue to enchant and inspire.
121. Aldith. From the Old English girls’ name Ealdgyð, this medieval moniker means “old battle.”
122. Cyneburg. If you’re looking for a rare and interesting Old English girls’ name, Cyneburg might intrigue you. Pronounced SIN-buhr and meaning “royal fortress,” this name belonged to the daughter of a seventh-century king of Mercia. She founded an abbey and later became a saint.
123. Eadburg. The Old English element ead means “fortune,” while the element burg (which we also see in the name above) means “fortress.”
124. Ebba. Although the meaning of this Old English name for girls is unknown, we do know that it was the name of a seventh-century and a ninth-century saint, one of whom was a martyr.
125. Elfleda. With its cool and ethereal meaning of “elf strength,” this Middle English form of the Old English girls’ names Æðelflæd and Ælfflæd is irresistible.
126. Frideswide. Meaning “peace” and “strong,” this Old English girls’ name was the name of an eighth-century princess who later became a nun. It’s a unique and pretty choice for your own little princess.
127. Godiva. You may recognize this name from the story of Lady Godiva, the eleventh-century noblewoman who famously protested taxes. That interesting story aside, Godiva is a strong Old English name for girls meaning “God’s gift” and a great option if you’re looking for girl names that start with G.
128. Leofflæd. If you want an Old English name for girls with a pretty meaning, this name is pronounced LAY-oo-flehd and means “beloved” and “beauty,” making it perfect for your dear baby girl.
129. Merry. Meaning exactly what it says, this joyful name will bring a smile to everyone’s face. And if you’re a fan of Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, you’ll recognize this as the name of one of the hobbits, adding to its fun and “merry” nature.
130. Sunngifu. This is the Old English form of the Scandinavian girls’ name Sunniva. It’s pronounced son-YEE-foo and has the delightful meaning of “sun gift,” so if your little girl is a summertime baby, this might be a cool option.
More Old English Girl Names
From ethereal and nature-inspired names to strong and regal choices, Old English girl names honor the past while remaining relevant in the present. Here are some more to ponder:
Elegant British Girl Names
Elegant British girl names exude a refined and sophisticated charm, drawing inspiration from the regal heritage and cultural diversity of the United Kingdom. These names encapsulate grace, poise, and timeless beauty, reflecting the traditions and values associated with British culture.
141. Annabel. This elegant British girls’ name has a timeless appeal and means “lovable.”
142. Avalon. The name Avalon is a majestic British girls’ name with mythical origins. Associated with the island of Arthurian legend, Avalon embodies a sense of mystery, beauty, and otherworldly allure.
143. Branwen. An elegant British girls’ name steeped in ancient Celtic mythology, Branwen is derived from Welsh roots and means “blessed raven” or “fair raven.”
144. Claribel. Combining the elements of clara meaning “clear” or “bright” and bel meaning “beautiful,” this name has an elegant and gentle sound, making it an excellent choice if you’re looking for a British name for your baby girl that exudes classic elegance.
145. Cordelia. If you’re a fan of classical literature, you'll recall that Cordelia appears in Shakespeare’s King Lear, as well as in Edmund Spenser’s poem The Faerie Queene. It’s an elegant and sophisticated name that means “heart” or “daughter of the sea.”
146. Eirwen. Eirwen is an elegant British girls’ name with Welsh origins, meaning “white as snow.” It has a pure and ethereal quality, evoking images of pristine beauty and tranquility.
147. Heather. Inspired by the flowering plant that blooms with beautiful purple flowers, Heather has a natural and timeless appeal. It carries a sense of elegance while also capturing the essence of the British countryside.
148. Imogen. You may have spotted many names used in Shakespeare’s plays throughout this list, and here’s another! Pronounced EE-mo-jen, Imogen is a princess in Cymbeline, adding to this name’s elegance and charm.
149. Lillian. Here’s another elegant British name for girls that’s also a floral moniker. Lillian is derived from the Latin name Lilianus, meaning “lily.” It symbolizes purity and grace.
150. Violet. Can’t get enough of these beautiful floral names? Violet is an elegant British girls’ name inspired by the fragrant flower. It represents modesty, faithfulness, and refinement.
More Elegant British Girl Names
From classic and traditional choices to more contemporary yet elegant options, here are more British girl names that embody a sense of grace, sophistication, and a touch of royalty.
Even More British and English Girl Names
Addison, Briar, Hyacinth, and Ruby? We couldn’t leave them off the list, so here are even more British and English names for girls to round out our favorite options for your sweet baby!
The Bottom Line
Whether you're drawn to elegant and classic names or prefer the charm of whimsical and nature-inspired options, digging into British and English names for girls and their meanings will provide a wealth of possibilities. With these choices, you can celebrate and honor your child's individuality while embracing the beauty and traditions of the British Isles. We hope you found the perfect name for your little lady!
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