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.
RankName# of Babies
Named in 2024Change in Rank
Since 20141Muhammad5,721+132Noah4,139+93Oliver3,492-24Arthur3,368+375Leo3,324+116George3,257+17Luca2,814+518Theodore2,761+519Oscar2,747-110Archie2,575+711Jude2,540+5412Theo2,387+2513Freddie2,369+714Henry2,360+115Arlo2,220+12616Alfie2,020-417Charlie1,956-1218Finley1,886+1819Albie1,820+9820Harry1,765-1721Mohammed1,760+622Jack1,711-2023Elijah1,661+3024Rory1,588+6325Lucas1,550+526Thomas1,543-2027William1,517-1728Louie1,516+3829Teddy1,506+3830Jacob1,484-26
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.
