English Baby Names
Explore 2493 english names, each with its own meaning, history, and pronunciation. Find one that carries the stories you want your child to grow up with.
English names form the largest body of names in our index. They run from Old English roots (Edward, Alfred, Mildred) through Norman-French imports (Richard, William, Rose), biblical names anglicised through centuries of use (James, Mary, John), and a growing modern lineage of place-and-nature names (Willow, Brooke, Hudson).
A short history
The English naming tradition is famously layered. Old English names (Edwin, Edith, Alfred) survived the Norman Conquest in smaller numbers and returned in the Victorian revival. Norman names (William, Henry, Richard) became the aristocratic backbone after 1066. Biblical names were anglicised and spread widely through Reformation-era England. Puritan virtue names (Patience, Hope, Grace) added a distinct 17th-century layer.
Naming traditions
Middle names became common in England from the 18th century onwards, often preserving a mother's maiden name or honouring a godparent. Double middle names are now standard. Sibling sets in England tend towards soft internal matching rather than thematic locking (e.g. George and Charlotte rather than Grace and Hope).
Sound and style
English names span every syllable count, every sound pattern, and every register. The current mood favours short classics (Jack, Max, Leo, Ava) and nature-led picks (Willow, Hazel, Rowan). English is also the most 'sibling-set friendly' naming tradition because its breadth accommodates almost any pairing.
Cressida
“Gold”
Cressida means gold, deriving from the Greek word chrysos, and evokes brilliance, warmth, and something precious and enduring.
Cricket
“Chirping summer insect, beloved English sport”
Cricket is a cheerful, lively English name that brings to mind both the chirping of insects on summer evenings and the beloved English bat-and-ball sport, evoking warmth, playfulness, and a sunny disposition. As a given name it is bright and energetic, suggesting a sociable, spirited personality. The name has a nostalgic, quintessentially English charm.
Crispian
“Curly-haired, Shakespearean valour”
Crispian is a noble and historically resonant English name forever associated with the feast of Saint Crispin and Crispinian and with Shakespeare's immortal St Crispin's Day speech in Henry V. It carries connotations of valour, brotherhood, and proud remembrance. The name suits a boy of courageous, eloquent character with a love of language and history.
Crispin
“Curly-haired”
Crispin is an English name derived from the Latin "Crispinus," meaning "curly-haired." While its literal meaning is charmingly physical, the name has transcended its origins to become associated with intelligence, creativity, and a certain distinguished charm. It carries echoes of ancient Rome, medieval sainthood, and Shakespearean drama.
Croft
“Small enclosed farmland plot”
Croft refers to a small enclosed field or piece of land, often attached to a farmhouse. As a given name it evokes rural self-sufficiency, a grounded connection to the land, and a sturdy, honest character. It carries a distinctly English pastoral quality that appeals to parents seeking occupational or landscape-inspired names.
Cromwell
“Winding stream, English heritage”
Cromwell is a place-derived name meaning 'winding stream' or 'crooked well', conveying images of a meandering, natural waterway. As a given name it carries strong historical weight, associated with leadership, resolve, and a willingness to challenge established power. It suits a boy whose parents value historical depth and a commanding presence.
Crosby
“Village at the crossroads”
Crosby means 'village at the crossroads' or 'settlement near a cross', reflecting the role of crossroads as community gathering points in medieval England. As a given name it projects a relaxed, confident charm, partly influenced by its association with mid-century entertainers. It works well as both a first name and a surname-style given name.
Croydon
“Saffron valley, South London”
Croydon means 'valley where saffron or wild crocus grows', combining natural imagery with a sense of place. As a given name it is highly unusual, offering a distinctly English geographic identity with a surprising botanical underpinning. It appeals to parents with a strong connection to South London or an affinity for rare, place-based names.
Culpepper
“Spice gatherer, herbalist heritage”
Culpepper is an occupational name meaning 'one who gathers or sells pepper and spices', pointing to an ancestor who worked as a spicer or herbalist. As a given name it has an old-world apothecary charm and a distinctly English character. It is highly distinctive and will rarely be shared with another child.
Curtis
“Courteous”
Curtis comes from the Old French curteis, meaning courteous or refined, describing a person of good manners and polished behaviour. It entered English as both a surname and a given name during the medieval period, carried by the Norman influence on English culture and language. The name has a quietly distinguished quality, suggesting someone considerate, well-mannered, and aware of others.
Cynthia
“From Mount Cynthus”
Cynthia is a poetic name for the goddess Artemis, who according to Greek mythology was born on Mount Cynthus on the sacred island of Delos. As goddess of the moon, the hunt, and wild nature, Artemis carried this name as a title, and it passed into use as a personal name through classical poetry. The name retains a connection to moonlight, independence, and natural grace.
Cyprian
“Man from Cyprus”
Cyprian means 'man from Cyprus', the Mediterranean island long associated with Aphrodite, beauty, and the arts. As a given name it carries an air of classical learning and early Christian devotion, linked to Saint Cyprian of Carthage. It is an erudite, uncommon choice with a melodious sound.
Cyril
“Lordly, masterful”
Cyril derives from the Greek Kyrillos, itself drawn from the word kyrios meaning lord or master. It carries an air of authority and scholarly refinement that has made it a name associated with intellectual achievement. The name's long Christian heritage adds a layer of spiritual dignity to its meaning.
Cyrus
“Sun, throne”
Cyrus is a name of Persian origin, most likely derived from the Old Persian Kurush, which may mean sun or throne, though some scholars connect it to the Greek kyrios meaning lord or master. It was the name of Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Achaemenid Persian Empire, one of the most celebrated rulers in ancient history. The name carries an unmistakable regal bearing combined with the warmth of its solar meaning.
Dacre
“Trickling stream”
Dacre is a place-derived English name meaning 'trickling stream', evoking the quiet, persistent flow of water through a Cumbrian landscape. As a given name it has an aristocratic English pedigree, associated with the ancient Dacre family of the northern borderlands. It projects quiet strength and noble heritage.
Daffodil
“Spring flower; rebirth”
Daffodil is a floral name taken from the bright yellow spring flower, symbolising rebirth, new beginnings, and unreserved joy. It is one of the more exuberant English flower names, radiating cheerfulness and a love of nature. Parents who choose it often want a name that is vivid, positive, and utterly distinctive.
Dahlia
“Elegant garden flower”
Dahlia is a floral name taken from the large, boldly coloured garden flower, representing elegance, inner strength, and dignity. In the language of flowers it has been associated with both commitment and a warning of change, giving it a layered, romantic quality. It is a name that feels simultaneously vintage and modern, luxurious and natural.
Daisy
“Day's eye”
Daisy comes from the Old English 'daeges eage,' meaning 'day's eye,' referring to the way the daisy flower opens its petals at dawn and closes them at dusk. It is one of the purest English flower names, carrying sunshine and freshness in every syllable.
Dakota
“Friend, ally”
Dakota comes from the Lakota and Dakota Sioux languages, where it means friend or ally. It was originally the name of the Sioux confederation of peoples who inhabited the Great Plains of North America. The name carries a spirit of kinship, openness, and solidarity, reflecting values central to Sioux culture. Its expansive, geographical quality has made it popular as a given name across the English-speaking world, appealing to parents who want something bold and rooted in the American landscape.
Dale
“Valley dweller”
Dale means 'valley dweller' or simply 'one who lives in a dale', projecting a calm, open, and unpretentious character. It is a name associated with the natural landscape of northern England, where 'dale' describes the broad, pastoral valleys of the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District. It suits a child whose parents value simplicity, nature, and a quiet confidence.
Daley
“Dweller in the dale”
Daley is an English name meaning 'dweller in the dale' or 'from the valley', evoking a sense of calm, natural surroundings and rootedness in the landscape. It carries connotations of humility and groundedness, suggesting someone who is steady and connected to the earth. The name has a gentle, approachable quality that suits a boy with a warm and dependable character.
Dallas
“Dwelling in the meadow”
Dallas is an English name that evokes the spirit of the American frontier, carrying associations of boldness, independence, and wide open spaces. It has long been linked to the famous Texan city and carries a confident, adventurous energy. The name works equally well for boys and girls, projecting a strong and stylish personality.
Dalston
“Settlement in the valley”
Dalston is an English name derived from a place name, carrying the meaning of 'settlement in the valley' and projecting a sense of heritage, locality, and quiet strength. It has a distinctive, slightly uncommon character that sets it apart from more familiar names while remaining clearly rooted in English tradition. The name suits a boy with a grounded, individual personality.
Dalton
“Valley town settlement”
Dalton is an English name meaning 'settlement in the valley' or 'valley town', evoking a sense of strong English heritage and a grounded, dependable character. It has long been a popular surname-turned-given name in the English-speaking world, carrying associations of intellect and pioneering spirit. The name projects quiet confidence and a solid, masculine presence.
Damaris
“Gentle; tame”
Damaris is a name of ancient origin carrying meanings associated with gentleness and the spirit of a calf or heifer, symbolising tenderness, nurturing, and new life. It is a name with deep biblical resonance, suggesting a woman of quiet wisdom and spiritual openness. The name has a lyrical, melodious quality that gives it an elegant and timeless character.
Damian
“To tame, disciplined strength”
Damian comes from the Greek name Damianos, derived from the verb damazo meaning to tame, to subdue, or to master. The name carries connotations of strength under control, suggesting someone who has mastered themselves and their environment rather than being ruled by impulse or force. It was the name of Saint Damian, a physician and martyr who, together with his twin brother Cosmas, became the patron saints of doctors and surgeons in the Christian tradition.
Damson
“Deep purple English plum”
Damson is an unusual and poetic English name taken from the damson plum, a small deep-purple fruit with a rich, tart flavour that has been cultivated in England for centuries. It carries connotations of natural beauty, depth of character, and the lush English countryside. The name is rare as a personal name, giving it a highly distinctive, nature-inspired charm.
Dane
“Valley dweller, man of Denmark”
Dane is a crisp, strong English name with two primary meanings: it can refer to someone from Denmark, reflecting Scandinavian heritage, or it derives from an Old English word meaning 'valley dweller'. Either way, the name carries associations of northern strength, clarity, and quiet confidence. It has a clean, one-syllable power that suits a direct and capable personality.
Danica
“Morning star, bringer of dawn”
Danica is a beautiful name meaning 'morning star' or 'the star of the morning', rooted in Slavic tradition but embraced broadly in English-speaking countries for its lyrical sound and luminous imagery. It evokes the brightness of dawn, suggesting a girl who is radiant, full of hope, and a bringer of light. The name carries a poetic elegance that feels both ancient and fresh.
Danielle
“God is my judge”
Danielle is the French feminine form of Daniel, a Hebrew name meaning God is my judge. The name entered French usage in the early twentieth century and reached peak popularity in France during the 1950s and 1960s, coinciding with a generation of prominent French women bearing the name. It carries a strong, classic quality that balances the strength of its biblical meaning with the elegance of its French form. The two syllables Da-nielle give it a distinctive rhythmic flow.
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