English Baby Names
Explore 2515 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.
Kassidy
“Descendant of the curly-haired one”
Kassidy is a lively, energetic name that works well for both boys and girls, though it has become predominantly feminine in recent usage. Its bouncy rhythm and friendly sound make it a popular choice for parents who want a name that feels approachable yet distinctive. The name enjoyed significant popularity in the 1990s and 2000s, partly boosted by cultural references in music and television.
Katarina
“Pure, Slavic form of Katherine”
Katarina is an elegant, multi-syllabic name that carries a sense of classic European sophistication while remaining accessible in English-speaking cultures. It is often associated with grace, intelligence, and strong character, partly due to its association with notable historical figures. The name's flowing pronunciation and rich heritage make it a striking choice for parents drawn to timeless yet distinctive names.
Katelyn
“Pure and unsullied spirit”
Katelyn became widely popular in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s as an Americanized respelling of the Irish Caitlin. It is associated with girls who are bright, spirited, and sociable. The spelling reflects a distinctly modern English sensibility while retaining the name's classical roots.
Katherine
“Pure, clear and enduring”
Katherine derives from the Greek katharos, meaning pure or clear. It is one of the most enduring names in Western history, borne by saints, queens, and literary heroines across two millennia. The K spelling lends it a slightly more contemporary feel than the traditional C variant Catherine, while retaining all the name's classic elegance and historic weight.
Katia
“Pure, with cosmopolitan warmth”
Katia has a cosmopolitan quality that makes it popular among English-speaking families seeking a name that feels both familiar and distinctly stylish. It is often chosen for its musicality and the sense of warmth it conveys. The name suggests a creative, free-spirited individual with an international outlook.
Katrina
“Pure, of Northern European character”
Katrina has a strong, melodic quality and was a comfortably popular name in English-speaking countries throughout the latter half of the twentieth century. It projects confidence and a certain directness of character. In the United States the name's usage declined noticeably after 2005 due to its association with Hurricane Katrina.
Katya
“Pure, elegantly understated”
Katya has an effortlessly chic and exotic feel in English-speaking contexts, making it increasingly popular with parents seeking something short yet distinctive. The name carries a sense of elegance and quiet strength. It pairs well with both simple and elaborate surnames, offering considerable versatility.
Kay
“Rejoice, or pure simplicity”
Kay is a clean, crisp name that enjoyed considerable popularity in the mid-twentieth century and retains a timeless simplicity. Its single syllable makes it especially effective as a middle name but it has always stood confidently on its own as well. The name conveys practicality and quiet confidence.
Kayden
“Modern invented name, fiery energy”
Kayden is a contemporary name that projects energy, modernity, and individuality. It became particularly popular in the United States in the early 2000s as parents sought names that felt familiar in sound but fresh in spelling. The name is used for both boys and girls, though it leans more masculine in current usage.
Kaye
“Rejoice, with vintage elegance”
Kaye flourished as a given name and stage name in the mid-twentieth century, carried by entertainers who favoured its snappy, memorable quality. It has a classic Hollywood glamour about it and reads as both vintage and quietly stylish to modern ears. The name works equally well as a first name or a graceful middle name.
Kayla
“Beautiful, graceful and warm”
Kayla surged to widespread popularity in the 1980s, partly propelled by a character of that name on the American soap opera Days of Our Lives beginning in 1982. It has a warm, approachable sound that has kept it consistently well-used across several decades. Parents are drawn to its femininity, easy pronunciation, and the sense of cheerfulness it conveys.
Keanu
“The cool mountain breeze”
Keanu gained widespread recognition in the English-speaking world primarily through the fame of actor Keanu Reeves, and carries an exotic, relaxed, and free-spirited energy. It appeals to parents drawn to nature-inspired names with a distinctive sound. The name suggests someone calm under pressure, adventurous, and effortlessly cool.
Keaton
“Place of kites or sheds”
Keaton has a cool, artistic edge largely shaped by its association with the legendary silent film comedian Buster Keaton. It appeals to parents seeking a surname-style name that feels creative and distinctly modern without being invented. The name is predominantly given to boys but has occasionally been used for girls.
Keats
“Literary surname of uncertain origin”
Keats is an exceptionally rare given name that carries strong literary and intellectual connotations. Parents who choose it tend to have a love of Romantic poetry or English literature, and the name projects an air of artistic sensitivity and refinement. It is used almost entirely for boys.
Keira
“Dark or dark-haired one”
Keira rose sharply in popularity following actress Keira Knightley's breakthrough roles, giving it a glamorous and spirited image. It is a feminine name associated with strength, beauty, and a slightly rebellious charm. The variant spelling distinguishes it from the more traditional Kira or Ciara while maintaining a similar soft sound.
Keiran
“Little dark one”
Keiran is a modern English spelling of the Gaelic classic Ciarán, popular in Britain and Australia among parents who want an Irish-flavoured name in a more phonetically straightforward form. It has a strong, friendly sound and tends to be associated with boys who are confident and sociable. The name sits comfortably alongside other Celtic crossover names like Kieran and Ciaran.
Keith
“Wood or forest settlement”
Keith was a dominant masculine name in the mid-20th century, particularly popular in English-speaking countries during the 1950s through the 1970s, when it carried a cool, rock-and-roll edge. Today it reads as a retro classic that is quietly beginning to attract renewed interest. It is strongly associated with musicianship and a laid-back, unpretentious character.
Kelham
“At the spring or water meadows”
Kelham is an exceptionally rare given name with deep English roots, appealing to parents who want something genuinely uncommon yet grounded in history. It carries an earthy, rural quality that evokes the English countryside and a sense of quiet heritage. Its rarity means that almost anyone bearing it as a first name will be the only one they know.
Kellan
“Bright-headed or warrior”
Kellan has a contemporary, energetic feel while still carrying an underlying Celtic heritage, making it attractive to parents who want a name that sounds fresh without being invented. It is used primarily for boys and is often associated with confidence and charisma. The name gained notable visibility through actor Kellan Lutz, which helped establish it in the public consciousness.
Kellen
“Bright warrior or spring source”
Kellen is a sleek, modern-sounding name that straddles the line between traditional Gaelic heritage and contemporary naming trends. It is popular in the United States among parents seeking a distinctive yet approachable masculine name. The double-L spelling gives it a slightly softer visual profile compared to its variant Kellan.
Kelly
“Descendant of the bright warrior”
Kelly enjoyed enormous popularity as a given name for girls in the 1960s and 1970s, largely driven by the glamour of actress Grace Kelly, and was also used for boys. Today it is considered a classic unisex name with a friendly, approachable character that has never entirely gone out of style. It remains particularly common in Ireland and among families of Irish descent worldwide.
Kelsey
“Fierce one's island or victory island”
Kelsey became a popular unisex given name in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s, and is now used more commonly for girls than boys. It has a breezy, confident quality that has kept it in steady use across generations, often associated with an outgoing and spirited personality. The name gained wide recognition through actor Kelsey Grammer, who helped maintain its visibility for male bearers.
Kelton
“Settlement by a keel ridge”
Kelton has a strong, grounded feel rooted in the English landscape tradition of place-derived surnames turned given names. It carries a rugged yet refined quality that appeals to parents seeking a distinctive but accessible name. It remains uncommon enough to feel distinctive while still fitting naturally in modern English-speaking contexts.
Kemble
“Curved or bent territory”
Kemble is a distinguished surname-turned-given-name with deep theatrical associations in English history, lending it an air of artistic sophistication. It is exceptionally rare as a first name today, making it a bold and cultivated choice for parents drawn to historical English names. The name carries echoes of Georgian-era elegance and the golden age of British theatre.
Kempton
“Warrior's settlement”
Kempton has the distinguished bearing of a classic English estate name, evoking the English countryside and its horse-racing heritage through Kempton Park Racecourse. As a given name it is rare and carries an upper-crust English quality that feels both historic and refreshingly uncommon. It suits parents who appreciate names with geographical roots and a sense of English tradition.
Kendall
“Valley of the River Kent”
Kendall is a sleek, gender-neutral name that has grown in popularity particularly for girls since the late 20th century, though it retains strong usage for boys as well. It has a contemporary feel while being grounded in the English northern landscape, striking a balance between modern appeal and historic depth. The name projects confidence and cool composure, qualities that have made it a favourite among parents seeking a polished, versatile name.
Kendra
“Greatest champion, royal ruler”
Kendra emerged as a distinctly feminine given name in the mid-20th century United States, gaining particular traction in the 1970s through 1990s. It has a warm, approachable sound while projecting strength and independence, qualities that contributed to its steady popularity across diverse communities. The name feels both modern and timeless, sitting comfortably across generations.
Kendrick
“Royal ruler, bold champion”
Kendrick is a name with deep roots in both Welsh and Anglo-Saxon heritage, giving it a noble, commanding character that has kept it in steady use for centuries. In recent years it has experienced a significant cultural resurgence, driven in part by high-profile bearers in music and sport who have given it a contemporary energy. The name projects strength, artistry, and intellectual depth.
Kenilworth
“Cynehild's enclosed homestead”
Kenilworth is an exceptionally rare given name drawn directly from one of England's most historically significant towns, home to the magnificent Kenilworth Castle that featured prominently in medieval and Elizabethan history. As a first name it is virtually unheard of, making it a highly distinctive choice that signals deep affection for English history and literature. The name carries the weight of centuries of English heritage and the romantic associations of Sir Walter Scott's celebrated 1821 novel.
Kenley
“Royal woodland clearing”
Kenley is a gentle, melodic name that sits at the intersection of the popular Ken- prefix names and the fashionable -ley suffix names, giving it a naturally contemporary feel. It works equally well for boys and girls, though it has seen increasing use as a feminine name in recent decades. The name carries a fresh, open quality evoking English countryside imagery while feeling firmly at home in a modern context.
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